Some children ignore traditional methods and use intuitive math shortcuts. This demonstrates an understanding of the structure of numbers that should be cultivated in every child. Teaching strategies and shortcuts can nurture this intuitive understanding and give children real insight into numbers. (MT)

Three lessons are outlined which employ "scholar dollars," pretend bills and coins of different denominations that students can make and use to help solve subtraction, division, and decimal problems. The technique clarifies difficult mathematical concepts by making them less abstract. (PP)