Writing to Learn Math: When students create their own math, they forge a personal connection to mathematical concepts and relationships. And it’s fun!
Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?
Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.
In the first section of George Lenchner’s Creative Problem Solving in School Mathematics, Lechner poses this problem. If you have seen it before, be patient — his point was much more than simply counting blocks.
A wooden cube that measures 3 cm along each edge is painted red. The painted cube is then cut into 1-cm cubes as shown below. How many of the 1-cm cubes do not have red paint on any face?
And then he challenges us as teachers:
This game helps students develop strategic thinking while practicing their subtraction skills.
Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!
Math Concepts: subtraction within one hundred, thinking ahead.
Players: best for two.
Equipment: a hundred chart, penny or other token to mark your place.
Writing to Learn Math: What did the author mean? Put the thought in your own words. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?
Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.
11 Years Ago This Month…
My book business had been on hiatus for nearly 15 years, as I focused on homeschooling five children. I posted on forums and blogged off and on, but the old books fell into (not entirely undeserved) oblivion.
Now my older kids were moving out into their adult lives, and I’d begun to think about publishing again. I dusted off the old manuscripts to see what could be salvaged and began my adventure of indie publishing.
And all the gurus agreed, every author needed an email newsletter.
Share a playful math activity every month? Sure I could do that!
So while I revised and edited the manuscript for Let’s Play Math, to be published in paperback that fall, I launched my first “Playful Math” email, with an idea that’s still fun all these years later: Play math on your calendar.
This cooperative game fosters vocabulary and geometric visualization skills.
Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!
Math Concepts: geometric vocabulary, visualization.
Players: two or more (a cooperative game).
Equipment: pattern blocks.
Writing to Learn Math: Number play doesn’t have to follow school math methods.
Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?
Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.
[Memories from 20 years ago. Like our kids’ childhood, the homeschooling season passes faster than we expect.]
Spring cleaning has made my desk look worse than before. Nobody feels like studying. The kids would rather be outside, and their mom would rather take a nap. Sound familiar? It is our annual attack of homeschool burnout.
If you, too, are suffering from lethargy and can’t face another day of school work, here are some ideas that have helped me:
Or get some new ones from the library. Try to read about one a month, if you can, to help get your enthusiasm back. And then read at least one new homeschooling book per year to help you stay inspired.
This is a fun and challenging logic/strategy game for upper-elementary and middle school. One of my favorites!
Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!
Math Concepts: ordered pairs, coordinate graphing (four quadrants).
Players: two players or two teams.
Equipment: dotty or lined square grid paper, different colored pencils or markers.
Writing to Learn Math: Writing helps students stretch their thinking and make sense of new ideas.
Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?
Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.
Denise Gaskins' Let's Play Math 