Nature by Numbers

by Cristóbal Vila
 


Nature by Numbers from Cristóbal Vila on Vimeo.

Salman Khan: Let's use video to reinvent education

I found this to be a really interesting video to watch.  Teachers that have the time to post well thought out and presented instructional videos are truly remarkable.  Many students benefit from being able to see a lesson again (or for the first time) in their own home.  Parents, who are looking to help their kids with their homework can also view the video with their child and then guide them through their homework.

From the website: "Salman Khan talks about how and why he created the remarkable Khan Academy, a carefully structured series of educational videos offering complete curricula in math and, now, other subjects. He shows the power of interactive exercises, and calls for teachers to consider flipping the traditional classroom script -- give students video lectures to watch at home, and do "homework" in the classroom with the teacher available to help."

Children’s Literature in Mathematics

Why Use Children’s Literature in Mathematics?

¨To provide a context or model for an activity with mathematical content.
¨To introduce manipulatives that will be used in varied ways (not necessarily as in the story).
¨To inspire a creative mathematics experience for children.
¨To pose an interesting problem.
¨To prepare for a mathematics concept or skill.
¨To develop or explain a mathematics concept or skill.
¨To review a mathematics concept or skill.

A study done by Ward (2005) states “a growing body of research in the fields of mathematics education and literacy supports the inclusion of children’s literature into the teaching and learning of mathematics” (p. 132).  Using these books can grab the students’ attention while engaging them in a thoughtful story and math concept.  It is a valuable tool to that “holds much promise for enriching the teaching and learning of mathematics” (Ward, 2005, p. 141).

 
Where do I find children’s literature relating to mathematics?

Mathematics can be found in children’s literature if you look for it.  Your school board may have these resources for teachers to use already in their library.  If not, there are plenty of places to look including your local library, colleagues or online bookstores.

 

 

 

My other posts on Math Anxiety
Mathematics Anxiety in Preservice Teachers: An Overview 
Symptoms of Mathematics Anxiety
The Effects of Mathematics Anxiety
Why is Mathematics Anxiety in Preservice Teachers Worrisome? 
Where Does Mathematics Anxiety in Preservice Teachers Stem From?
What Strategies Can Be Provided to Preservice Teachers to Decrease Mathematics Anxiety?
The Power of Positivity 
Examining Learning Styles
Why Use Manipulatives? 
Mathematics in Children's Literature 


 

Bowen, Donna (n.d.). Math Picture Books and In Literature.  Retrieved June 19, 2009 from http://www.edselect.com/mathbooksbowen.htm.

Ward, R.A. (2005). Using Children’s Literature to Inspire K-8 Preservice Teachers’ Future Mathematics Pedagogy.  The Reading Teacher, 59(2), 132-143.  Retrieved May 26, 2009 from Platinum Periodicals database. (Document ID: 914815151).

Why Use Manipulatives?

Mathematics manipulatives are becoming increasingly important to provide elementary students with hands on learning.  The results of Gresham’s study in October, 2007, revealed a decrease in mathematics anxiety after the preservice teachers had completed a mathematics methods course that involved using manipulatives and hands on approaches to teaching mathematics content.  Manipulatives are available to aid students visually and kinaesthetically while making abstract concepts concrete. It has become accepted that manipulatives are an excellent way to make math real for students by utilizing concrete objects to solve problems or demonstrate abstract concepts.  

Manipulatives List

¨Attribute blocks
¨Clocks
¨Fraction circles
¨Fraction squares
¨Geoboards & colored elastics
¨Large dice
¨Large geometric shapes
¨Pattern blocks
¨Tangrams
¨Connecting cuisenaire rods
¨Coins & paper money
¨Bean counters
¨Miras
¨Fruit Loops/ Cheerios / M & M’s
¨Calendar
¨Magnetic fraction 3D shapes
¨Number spinners
¨Plastic Base 10 blocks
¨Pocket chart with numbers 0 - 100
¨Small geometric shapes
¨Two sided counters
¨Unifix® cubes & accessories
¨Wooden blocks
¨Maps
¨Measuring Cups
¨Popsicle Sticks
¨Buttons
¨Balance scales & weights
¨Thermometers

...and more!

Some schools have an ample supply of manipulatives while others may not.  It may be possible for teachers to share with a colleague or even create something of their own.  Manipulatives found around the house such as fruit loops can be just as effective as expensive ones that are purchased. 

Connecting Cubes

¨Patterning
¨Estimating and Measuring
¨Addition and Subtraction
¨Multiplying and Dividing
¨Volume

Primary students will love counting and making patterns with these blocks.  Older students can use them to make groups while multiplying and dividing.  In grade 6, students can make rectangular prisms with these connecting cubes and find their volume.  Using manipulatives in groups is an effective method to motivate global learners and interest them in your lesson.

 The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

This is an excellent website to find free interactive games that children can use while exploring the use of manipulatives.  Each game has a link to instructions and the standards which it applies to.  This website will be a useful resource in the classroom. 






My other posts on Math Anxiety
Mathematics Anxiety in Preservice Teachers: An Overview 
Symptoms of Mathematics Anxiety
The Effects of Mathematics Anxiety
Why is Mathematics Anxiety in Preservice Teachers Worrisome? 
Where Does Mathematics Anxiety in Preservice Teachers Stem From?
What Strategies Can Be Provided to Preservice Teachers to Decrease Mathematics Anxiety?
The Power of Positivity 
Examining Learning Styles
Why Use Manipulatives? 
Mathematics in Children's Literature 






 

Relating Math to the lives of your students

Why relate math to the lives of your students?
  
¨Keeps their Interest
¨Increases motivation
¨Gives math meaning
¨Creates a fun learning environment


Use familiar items or topics that will engage your class

¨Coupons
¨Grocery Flyers
¨Restaurant Take Out Menus
¨IPods
¨Cell Phones