The author recommends allowing elementary students to use pocket calculators, so that they may concentrate on the sense of a math problem without getting bogged down in computation. He presents calculator activities on place value, estimation, and arithmetic operations, suitable for grades 1-6. (SJL)

These learning stations use questions about television and film stars, as well as famous historical figures, to motivate students in problem solving and other technical language skills. (Author/SJL)

Spatial concepts are important to the development of many skills, including reasoning and problem solving. Here are guidelines for making geometry learning more effective for elementary-grade students. (Editor)

An elementary school teacher demonstrates that one method for helping his students learn is to ask them for suggestions on how "not" to learn. The process was used as a writing assignment, to teach basketball, to make a film, and to motivate teachers. (RK)

The author suggests that experience in school with math and other problem-solving strategies can help provide children with skills necessary for addressing the more difficult problems they encounter outside the controlled school environment. Sample problem-solving strategies are provided. (Author/SJL)