Analysis of arithmetic problem-solving difficulties among secondary school learning disabled students (N=63) indicated students had the most difficulty with problems of the indirect type and problems that contained extraneous information. Teaching suggestions are offered. (Author/DB)

Presents four card games that can teach arithmetic concepts, reinforce skills, and develop problem-solving techniques. (MKR)

Previous studies indicate that many early elementary school children have the misconception that whole number subtraction is a commutative operation. The degree and character of this subtraction error was investigated in this longitudinal study. Results obtained from three groups of students with different number abilities provided further…

Teachers can help students with learning problems in solving arithmetic word problems by following the principles commonly used in the design of Direct Instruction curricula: teach rules and strategies rather than rote memorization; sequence examples and skills carefully; and introduce and review skills cumulatively. (CB)

Shares a problem-solving activity in which the aim is to find out how fifth-grade students would approach a nontraditional problem in which several conditions had to be met. Asks teachers to consider student observations in their teaching. (ASK)

Fifteen mathematical puzzles and problems are presented. Areas investigated include pentominoes, arithmetic, fractions, and dissections (dissecting) a shape into two pieces that can be fitted together to form a square. Answers for each puzzle and problems are included. (JN)

Reports on a study that examined which of four major components of word problem solving ability was currently keeping a student from solving word problems. Reviews two recent series of supplementary materials that show promise for helping teachers improve their students' problem interpretation. (FL)

Matrix organization can be used to construct math word problems for children with mild disabilities. Matrix organization specifies the characteristics of problems, such as problem theme or setting, operations, level of computation complexity, reading vocabulary level, and need for classification. A sample scope and sequence and 16 sample word…

This document is a collection of activity-based mathematics lessons for grades K-4 from the "Ideas" department in "Arithmetic Teacher: Mathematics Education through the Middle Grades." Each lesson includes background information, objectives, directions, extensions, and student worksheets. A matrix is included which correlates…

This guide contains classroom-tested problems designed to introduce and reinforce mathematical concepts in a quick, "fun" way. Activities emphasize the logic and reasoning skills needed to build a strong foundation in mathematics. The problems are thinking activities and require only elementary level mathematics skills. Activities are…

Index cards, masking tape, pizza shells, golf tees, and empty soda bottles can be used to make manipulative objects to be used in children's mathematics games. Twenty-two games that provide practice in number drills and problem solving are described, along with instructions for making objects needed for the games. (PP)

Offers a six-step model for showing young children how to handle story problems. (FL)

Explores mathematical methods children use to find answers for themselves. Describes some methods used for multiplication and subtraction problems. (YP)

Clarifies the relationship between oral reading accuracy and the ability to solve worded arithmetic problems using literature reviews. Discusses the implications of oral reading and lists eight guidelines for mathematics teachers. Thirty-seven references are listed. (YP)

Shares different students' solutions for a problem entitled How Much Film?, which appeared in the November 1997 issue of Teaching Children Mathematics. The problem has to do with how many rolls of film are necessary to take 687 pictures. (ASK)