making sense of math

ELEV8 Middle School Youth ProgramNovember 9, 2012Demetrie Broxton, AmeriCorps Director

1.Examine key considerations regarding the teaching and learning of mathematics.

2.Understand how mathematics skills are organized for teaching and learning.

3.Access mathematics resources.

1. Builds on prerequisite knowledge.

2. Literature is a helpful tool.

3. Requires exploration, practice, and a math-rich environment.

4. Anxiety is natural and curable.

Mathematicalknowledge buildson prerequisiteunderstandingand skills.

Math in After School

Connects learning to life.

Enhances career choices and earning potential.

Creates financial literacy and money management skills.

Books based on math concepts can:Create a context for a math activity.

Introduce, review, or reinforce a math concept.

Present math in creative ways.

Reference and literature booksVisual aidsComputer-based resourcesStudy guides Instructional DVDsCalculatorsGeometry sets JournalsManipulatives

Manipulative Image Possible Application

Counters AdditionSubtractionEstimation

Base Ten Blocks/Cubes

Place ValueMultiplication

Division

Attribute Blocks Geometric ShapesPatterns

Visual/Spatial Sense

Fraction Circles FractionsDecimalsPercents

Choose manipulatives according to the

objectives.

Explain and review the concept.

Allow exploration, discovery, and

discussion time.

Connect the manipulatives to writing.

Have a management plan.

1. Empower all students to do

their best.

2. Explore actual applications.

3. Exhibit a positive attitude.

Jayden is a sixth-grade student who is struggling with division. He takes a long time to solve problems, makes computational errors, and lacks confidence in his answers.

a

What are some of the considerations that might help Jayden?

Jayden needs:Ample practice with facts to build up

his ability to divide.Access to multiplication and addition

charts and manipulatives.Division posters or study aids. Instructional videos or computer-

based games for support.Picture books about division.

Five Strands Through Grade 7

1) Number Sense2) Algebra and Functions3) Measurements and Geometry4) Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability5) Mathematical Reasoning

Disciplines in Grades 8-12 Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II Guidance for math instruction and assessment

C.C.S.S. Processes and Proficiencies Make sense of problems and persevere in

solving them. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Construct viable arguments and critique

the reasoning of others. Model with mathematics. Use appropriate tools strategically. Attend to precision. Look for and make use of structure. Look for and identify ways to create

shortcuts when doing problems.

CountingPlace valueArithmeticMoneyPositive and negative integersRounding and estimation

Sort valuesClassify valuesUse number sentencesUnderstand the meaning of symbols

ShapesAreaPerimeterLengthWidthWeightVolumeDistanceFormulas

PatternsGraphingEstimationAverages

Problem solvingReasoningCommunicatingModeling mathUsing toolsBeing preciseUsing structureApplying shortcuts

How can you help students in your cohort improve their problem solving abilities?

Hint: Remember—this is not aboutcomputation. It is about helping

students to think strategically.

(Answers will vary)

Engage students in collaborative problem solving Use real-life problems Use technology Invite students to explain their reasoning verbally and/or visually Allow them to experiment with manipulatives and tools Emphasize the need to be precise/accurate

California After School Resource Center:

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