Integer arithmetic is difficult for students worldwide. Although students' integer thinking has frequently been studied, little is known about typical instructional practice for this difficult topic. Thus, to investigate what resources teachers use, we surveyed U.S. middle-grade teachers who teach negative numbers. About half the teachers said…

The mechanisms of dissemination of the counting frames in the teaching of mathematics in Spain during the nineteenth century are studied. José Mariano Vallejo and Pablo Montesino proposed them in order to facilitate an arithmetic initiation based on intuition, following Pestalozzi's proposals. The diffusion channels considered were pedagogical…

"Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1" reviews the best available evidence to offer five recommendations for developing the maths skills of 3-7-year olds. Recommendations include integrating maths into different activities throughout the day -- for example, at registration and snack time -- to familiarise children…

Presented are two self-contained worksheets and teacher guides for open-ended experiences in recording and reading data which require the use of basic addition facts. One is for grades 1-3; the other for grades 4-8. (CT)

Discusses a tally device using discs on a paper diagram. Instructions given for number representation, negative values, games, addition and subtraction. (RS)

Described is "Project SOSO" designed to help elementary teachers improve methods for teaching arithmetic to low achievers in the sixth grade. The project developed methods and primarily free and/or inexpensive materials for teaching whole numbers, fractions, number theory, geometry, and probability. Preliminary results indicate that low achievers'…

A method of showing the meaning of decimal fraction without using fraction words or notation. One technique described in detail uses large squares, strips, and small squares; using the metric system and decimal coinage is also suggested. (DT)

Reviewed are the Avon materials and a set of kits for teaching the metric system. (MM)

The author presents two activities for practice with numbers and calculation. The first is an arithmetic adaptation of the familiar game of "Concentration" while the second is an unusual representation of addition, subtraction, and some properties of negative numbers. (Author/MN)

Describes the British primary school approach to mathematics learning. (MM)

This article compares the relative merits of using Cuisenaire rods (unsegmented, unnumbered, and representing continuous quantities) and number sticks (segmented, numbered, and representing discrete quantities) to introduce number and arithmetic concepts to beginning students or students with learning difficulties or mental disabilities. (DB)

Discusses the use and construction of "fact fans," fun and easy-to-make manipulatives that provide elementary school students with the opportunity to explore mathematics operations being studied in the classroom and to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. (BB)

Described is a study in which three instructional approaches were applied in second grade classes. Discussed are proportional materials, nonproportional materials, nonproportional materials with pictorial models. Findings, results, and recommendations are presented. (CW)