When solving mathematical problems, many students know the procedure to get to the answer but cannot explain why they are doing it in that way. According to Skemp (1976) these students have instrumental understanding but not relational understanding of the problem. They have accepted the rules to arriving at the answer without questioning or…

How the manipulative aid called the "10 frame" can be used to teach the number combinations for 10, the addition facts that bridge 10, and the place value nature of our number system is described. (MNS)

Addition and subtraction of integers can be approached through the use of chips of two colors. (SD)

Specific instruction in different contexts provide needed background for solving addition and subtraction problems. The categories of problems and relative difficulties are presented, followed by an explanation of a successful instructional sequence. (MNS)

Helping teachers to build a strong bridge from concrete experiences to algorithms is the focus. A detailed sequence of activities is described. (MN)

Described are activities using paper plates with dots drawn on them which place a heavy emphasis on matching and ordering sets, on developing mental images of sets, and on perceiving sets of a certain size as composed of smaller subsets. Also suggested are activities involving numerals. (Author/TG)

Another way to add and subtract, in which the mental regrouping strategy is applied to an original 10-structure, is presented. Pupils use a visual model, called "little person," to move from counting to visualization. Originally designed for use with pupils with learning disabilities, this method has wider applicability. (KR)

A method of using pegboards to illustrate addition of whole numbers is described. (SD)

A method is presented for helping children make a smooth transition from using manipulative materials to using symbols only in solving multidigit addition problems. (MP)

Five-frames are proposed as manipulative material to increase children's ability to identify the number of objects without direct counting. How to use frames and beansticks to construct basic facts without counting is discussed. (MNS)

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)

This guide contains six sections which offer suggested sequential steps for teaching addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fraction concepts and algorithms, and decimal fractions. Based on the manipulative approach, the guide offers activities and teaching methods which give students many opportunities to work with models. This approach…

Presented are suggestions for increasing the efficient use of the transition board while reducing its overall size. Discussed are the construction and preparation of the boards. Teaching addition and subtraction using these materials is described. (CW)

Activities and games which use dominoes to reinforce basic arithmetic skills are presented. Instructions and materials are provided for the activities and games, most of which involve addition and subtraction. Other skill areas which are covered include recognition and matching of domino patterns, multiplication, and division. A seven-item list of…

Describes a program in second-grade Dutch mathematics classes that emphasizes mental addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers up to 100. Deals with a strategy of counting by 10s from any number. (Contains 56 references.) (RLB)