Algebraic thinking in children can bridge the cognitive gap between arithmetic and algebra. This quantitative study aimed to develop and test a cognitive model that examines the cognitive factors influencing algebraic thinking among Year Five pupils. A total of 720 Year Five pupils from randomly selected national schools in Malaysia participated…

Early measures of mathematics skill and development have focused on early numeracy skills like counting, number identification, and sequencing of numbers. This study attempted to expand early mathematics assessment. Six new measures of early mathematics skill competence were developed and evaluated. Four existing measures also were examined.…

This study examined the influence of virtual manipulatives on different achievement groups during a teaching experiment in four fifth-grade classrooms. During a two-week unit focusing on two rational number concepts (fraction equivalence and fraction addition with unlike denominators) one low achieving, two average achieving, and one high…

A puzzle involving computation and pattern observation is described. (SD)

Activities with triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and octagonal numbers are briefly discussed. (MNS)

Games and activities, which are fun, practical, and related to the child's world, are presented. Suggestions are given for building skills in estimating lengths, guessing how many, recognizing patterns in counting, multiplying with "waffles," classifying by attributes, and adding and subtracting with special cards, relays, and play…

An activity similar to magic squares is described. (SD)

Several experiences with palindrome numbers are given, each leading to the "Law of 11." Conjectures for the reader to consider are included. (MNS)

Some patterns resulting from certain operations on numbers are discussed, analyzed, and explained. A method for predicting the outcome of these operations for any number is developed.

Upper elementary school students created their own algorithms for finding products of whole numbers. The algorithms were similar to familiar ones for finding products involving 9 and 11. (SD)

Playing with number patterns can lead students to discover some divisibility tests. (JT)

Developing numerical relationships with calculators is emphasized. Calculators furnish some needed support for students as they investigate the value of fractions as the numerators or denominators change. An example with Logo programing for computers is also included. (MNS)