One way to recognize how mathematical lessons can be stimulating for children is to interpret them as stories. If mathematical lessons follow a structure similar to that of a story, they can build anticipation, create surprise, and even generate intrigue (Egan 1988). To support the design of mathematical lessons with these types of aesthetic…

In this article, Sarah Currier, a math specialist at Elizabeth Hall International School in Minnesota, describes how she used origami in a deliberate manner to teach content. She shares how she uses paper folding to teach mathematical concepts, reinforce vocabulary, and as a problem-solving model. She also offers ideas for using origami in other…

Designed for a broad audience, including educators, camp directors, afterschool coordinators, and preservice teachers, this investigation aims to help individuals experience mathematics in unconventional and exciting ways by engaging them in the physical activity of building geometric shapes using ropes. Through this engagement, the author…

Do manufacturers' claims about water projectile toys measure up? It is one thing to assert that a Super Soaker[R] shoots thirty linear feet, but can it really shoot that far? This lesson gives students an opportunity to test the claims, experience measurement in a meaningful context, and analyze data within that context. Although measurement can…

The author's teaching goal is always to make certain that his students, children and adults alike, have some reason for joining him on his mathematical journeys. The lesson he describes in this article provides him with the unusual opportunity to call attention to strategies that have had a long history and remarkable results. With careful…

Teachers have the opportunity to capitalize on a vast array of real-world, two- and three-dimensional objects as they guide students in developing a conceptual understanding of geometric shapes. An important component of the NCTM Standards is to use teaching methodologies that engage children in making real-world connections to the mathematics…

In this article, the authors describe activities that can keep math and science skills sharp over summer breaks. A fourth-grade class was encouraged to talk about their coming summer break. The class brainstormed about what one might see on the road--"Observing landscapes, vehicles, and highway signage were quick replies." The children…

This article features Sweet play math, a "math by the month" activity that involves decorating and making sugar cubes. Teachers may want to substitute straws, paper squares, alphabet blocks, or such commercially made manipulatives as Unifix[R] cubes for the real sweets. Given no allergy concerns, teachers and students alike would enjoy some sweet…

Teaching based on problem solving brings challenges for the teacher, primarily that of finding problems with multiple access points that accommodate all students. This article narrates the author's lucky day as she discovers the Four fours problem which impacted her passion for teaching math. The day she presented the Four fours problem to her…

The crucial need for a mathematically literate society, coupled with a sustained focus on mathematics standards, continues its center-stage presence. At the same time, "Principles and Standards" states that it is imperative to offer "all students high-quality programs that include significant mathematics presented in a manner that respects both…

Traditional school geometry often introduces the angle concept to students by having teachers show visual examples on the blackboard. In this article, the authors propose a teaching sequence to teach angle concept in elementary school that breaks away from this "ostensive" method. They hypothesize that the angle concept may emerge from solving…

Integration of children's literature can be a fundamental part of instruction in mathematics classes. Emphasizing children's literature is crucial because it draws students into a story, makes them feel at home, and teaches mathematical concepts in a nonthreatening way. This article describes an example of a mini-unit on measurement taught to…

Most teachers' classroom experiences likely confirm that "fractions have always represented a considerable challenge for students, even into the middle grades" (Van de Walle 2004, p. 242). Because both movement and music enhance learning and retention of academic content (Jenson 2000), we developed a series of lessons that integrated kinesthetic…

This article gives examples of elementary teachers using physical models of function machines with their K-5 students. (Contains 13 figures and 4 online resources.)

The usage of poetry for learning mathematics is discussed. Formula poetry involves repetition instead of rhyme and is thus useful in understanding mathematical concepts.