This paper synthesizes research from three separate studies, analysing how different representations of a mathematical concept may affect young children's engagement with mathematical activities. Children between five and seven years old engaged in counting objects, identifying triangles and completing repeating patterns. The implementation of…

Multi-shaped blocks can be used to help young children develop many mathematical concepts and abilities. Several suggestions for using these blocks to create problem situations through which children develop concepts are offered. (SD)

Described are activities for thinking through patterns using toothpicks, paper strips, wooden cubes, and people patterns; thinking with attribute items such as geocards, namestrips, and treasures; and thinking with geometric materials such as geoboards and dot paper, cubes, and simple puzzle pieces. (MNS)

Multibase arithmetic blocks are used to investigate the minimum number of blocks of each size to make a square of a given size in a given base. Generalizations are made to any size and any base through pattern recognition. The problem is extended to rectangles, cubes, and rectangular solids. (LS)

Many concepts can be introduced informally through activities. Among those which can be investigated using easily-made 10-by-10 pegboards are geometric shapes, coordinate systems, grouping and regrouping, and addition of two-place numbers. (SD)

Track cards are manipulative materials used to promote verbalization, spatial perception, eye-hand coordination, simple problem solving, and fun in doing mathematics. (JT)

Primary students can use a geoboard to develop perceptual motor skills, pattern observation, and thinking ability by reproducing designs and developing strategies for games. (SD)

Observation of patterns constructed on geoboards can lead to discussions of properties of primes, number sequences, and complex numbers. (SD)

Provided are follow-up activities for having students explore the concept of line symmetry. Using a mirror to move a pattern; finding patterns with one, two, or four lines of symmetry; finding asymmetrical patterns; deciding if patterns are different; and solving the problem of finding all patterns possible are discussed. (MNS)

The articles in this collection of readings come principally from the last ten years of the "Arithmetic Teacher." The emphasis is on teaching mathematics in grades K-6, although some articles may include teaching ideas and activities for grades seven and eight. Articles on measurement geometry are not included; the focus is on the development of…

Eight teaching ideas involving circular shapes and patterns are described for grades one through eight. (JT)

The "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" (1989) provides a vision and a framework for revising and strengthening the K-12 mathematics curriculum in North American schools and for evaluating both the mathematics curriculum and students' progress. The document not only addresses what mathematics students should…