Like most students I teach, my students all got taught multiplying fractions the classic way. You multiply the numerator by the numerator and the denominator by the denominator. You either learn the method or you don’t (just like any other procedural method you learn in math). Many kids take to concrete methods of learning better […]
mathematics
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Mathematics
Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
For many topics in mathematics teaching the concept before the algorithm can lead to deeper learning. Teaching addition and subtraction of fractions with different denominators is one such topic. Using pattern blocks for this topic gives students a visual representation that they can translate to the algorithm for this topic. You may want to review […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Mathematics
Fractions – Parts of a Whole
Fractions can be one of the most frustrating topics to teach to elementary school children. Linking the experience of your students with fractions in their daily lives to fractions in the classroom can make this task easier. Young children have early experiences with the concept of fractions when they want to share a sandwich with […]
Posted inCommon Core, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics, Uncategorized
The Difference Between Calculation and Mathematics
This piece originally ran on Bluffcityed.com on July 29, 2014; In mid-July last year, I was ready to try something completely different. I had previously taught Algebra I, but I was moving to a new content; geometry. I’d taught it before under the old Tennessee state standards but had left the course feeling like the kids […]
Posted inInstructional Strategies, Middle School, Uncategorized
Common Core and Mathematics
During my entire career, there were always standards in mathematics. Whether I was dealing with the mathematics standards of the School District of Philadelphia, the standards of the state of Pennsylvania, or the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), I followed some standards in the teaching of mathematics. With this as […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Dyscalculia – The Dyslexia of Mathematics
For years, educators have known about dyslexia. There are well-documented studies that explain dyslexia as well as strategies that can be used to help those who are diagnosed with this learning disorder. Until recently, however, there has been very little known about dyscalculia. This is partly because unlike dyslexia, dyscalculia manifests itself in a number […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Interviews, Mathematics
All Mathematics is Political: Post Session with Rochelle Gutierrez
Following an emotionally stimulating conference session presented by Dr. Rochelle Gutierrez, I was intent on waiting in a line behind dozens of people for the opportunity to sit and talk with her. She began her talk with an engaging moment where she asked audience participants to “Stand Up” for the reasons they entered the teaching […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Top five reasons to go to the 2015 NCTM Annual Conference
I have attended the past eight NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) conferences. The event has become an annual highlight in both my academic and professional careers. For me, the conference has always been about learning. There were some years when I savored a walk through the exhibit hall to discover the newest software […]