Connecting theory and practice in teaching is sometimes difficult, as it requires expensive or delicate equipment, thus limiting the teacher to giving demonstrations in which students are passive participants. Numerical mathematics, as an applied discipline, should be taught on real world examples. By using inexpensive Arduino hardware, we can…

This is an account of events in a real classroom when the notion that there is a distinction between calculation by counting, and calculation by structuring is a focus for learning. Pupils have "hands-on" experiences that support their understanding of "number". The teaching "aid" might be unfashionable in…

How can children's natural perceptuo-motor skills be harnessed for teaching and learning mathematical structure? We address this question in the case of the integers. Existing research suggests that adult mental representations of integers recruit perceptuo-motor functionalities involving symmetry. Building on these findings, we designed a…

The new Common Core State Standards for Mathematics have been formulated to provide students with instruction that will help them acquire a thorough knowledge of math at their grade level, which will in turn enable them to move on to higher mathematics with competence and confidence. "Hands-on Activities for Teaching the Common Core Math…

Directions are presented for the construction and use of line-segment strips. Examples demonstrate activities, integrate elementary geometry and arithmetic instruction. (JP)

This monograph attempts to provide the teacher with examples, techniques, and tips for developing order in number. Topics covered include pre-number order and classification; beginning number activities; number lines; the 100-square counting chart; ordering the integers; fractional numbers; and games, counting rhymes, and other activities. A…

A teacher's daily record of activities and strategies for teaching arithmetic to a class of first grade students exclusively through the use of Cuisenaire rods is described. Worksheets and the mid-term test are included. A short evaluation of the results of the instructional method concludes the paper. (DT)

The authors present an analysis of portfolio entries submitted by candidates seeking certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the area of Early Adolescence/Mathematics. Analyses of mathematical features revealed that the tasks used in instruction included a range of mathematics topics but were not consistently…

Counting and dividing activities for 5- and 6-year-old children, using base ten multibase arithmetic blocks, are described. (DT)

The discovery method, according to the author, promotes logical thinking, is motivational in nature, makes learning more permanent, produces more usable knowledge, and gets students actively involved. A discovery lesson is characterized by the following: (1) the concept to be learned is not announced, (2) experiences and activities are developed…

Motivation for practicing basic arithmetic skills is provided by activities based on dart board games. There activities also require participants to devise winning strategies, adding enrichment to the game-type drills. (JP)

An activity is presented that involves an unusual multiplicative operation on natural numbers. Described are interesting properties that students may discover when using the new operation. (JP)

Mission: Division, to be used either as a game or as a classroom activity, stresses the steps of the long division algorithm. (JT)

Discussed is a way of playing with numbers that leads to interesting results and provides well-disguised drill. (JP)