Introducing the distributivity property of multiplication over addition is a well-known challenge in mathematics education, especially in primary school. As a contribution, this paper presents the results of a cycle of design research that focuses on the design, implementation and evaluation of a modelling activity in which 2nd-grade students are…

This article presents a sequence of learning activities that lead to using the area model of multiplication to understand the distributive property (DP). The connection between area and multiplication is an important one, both for algebraic thinking and for geometry, as indicated in two of the critical areas for the third grade in the Common Core…

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…

Directions are given for preparing a puzzle that may be used to provide practice in computation. (MP)

Using the calculator to do addition and multiplication in base 2 is discussed, with the stress on how to change numbers from one base to another using the calculator. (MNS)

Magic squares are used to generate number games similar to tic-tac-toe. Skills that are reinforced include addition of negative numbers and addition and multiplication of fractions. (MP)

Suggested activities involving number patterns, using the idea of a number machine." (MM)

Provides four pages of practice problems covering the skills of multiplication, addition, and subtraction. Follows the premise that many arithmetic operations be done in working toward a solution. The sheets could be photocopied as worksheets or handouts. (JM)

Described are activities and games incorporating a technique of "one step" which is used with children with learning difficulties. The purpose of "one step" is twofold, to minimize difficulties with typical trouble spots and to keep the step size of the instruction small. (Author/TG)

Students who can compute mathematical problems in their heads have learned a skill that is important for estimating and for understanding the number system. Practice activities that can help students master mental computation skills are described. (PP)

The objective of the Easy Math Program is to give all students (not just those with mathematical talent) an intuitive grasp of the quantitative principles on which mathematics is based, so they will be able to execute its basic operations with insight, and move on to its higher concepts with confidence. The program approaches this objective by a…

Beginning with a simple computer program to teach a fundamental concept and building in small increments is suggested. For the topic of repeated operations, three activities, an extension, and some problems are given. (MNS)

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…

Four activities focus on estimation and mental computation. Each consists of a game that can be used on an overhead projector. The content involved finding costs and estimating sums, products, and percents. (MNS)

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…