Writing to Learn Math: You can spark creative thought by removing any need to worry about spelling or punctuation rules.
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.
[Based on a problem I made up for my co-op students, once upon a time…]
Conversion factors are special fractions that contain problem-solving information. Why are they called conversion factors?
For instance, if I am driving an average of 60 mph on the highway, I can use that rate as a conversion factor. I may use the fraction:
Or I may flip it over to make:
It all depends on what problem I want to solve.
After driving two hours, how far have I gone?
But if I am planning to go 240 more miles, how much longer will it take?
Any rate can be used as a conversion factor. You can recognize them by their form: this per that. Miles per hour, dollars per gallon, cm per meter, and many, many more.
Of course, you will need to use the rate that is relevant to the problem you are trying to solve. If I were trying to figure out how far a tank of gas would take me, it wouldn’t be any help to know that an M1A1 Abrams tank would get about 1/3 mile per gallon. I won’t be driving one of those.
Continue reading Conversion Factors: How Old Are You in Nanoseconds?
This game builds conceptual understanding of multiplication or fraction models.
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: multiplication or fraction models.
Players: two or more.
Equipment: one deck of math model cards, or a double deck for four or more players.
Writing to Learn Math: Games are the ultimate re-playable activity prompts.
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 my new book, Charlotte Mason’s Living Math, I encourage families to explore the world of math by asking big, open-ended questions.
[Now available exclusively in my Playful Math Store! Ebook only at the moment, but print editions are coming soon.]
Here’s an example of such a question, an excerpt from my earlier book, 70+ Things To Do with a Hundred Chart: Number, Shape, and Logic Activities from Preschool to Middle School.
Have fun exploring math with your kids!
This game makes children think about multiplication and notice how prime numbers are special.
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: multiplication, prime numbers, factors and multiples.
Players: two or more players or two teams.
Equipment: blank paper or a printed hundred chart, pencils or markers. Calculator optional.
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.
Nim is a pure strategy game for two players. On each turn, players remove an option until finally no choice remains.
Game options might include:
The rules can vary at the players’ whim (as long as both players agree). How many possibilities do you start with, what are the rules for removing options, and how do you win or lose the game? Everything is open to change. And with every tweak, players must reanalyze their strategy.
This game helps students make sense of those confusing rules about multiplication with inequalities.
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: integer addition, integer multiplication, working with inequalities.
Players: two players or two teams.
Equipment: printed gameboard or sheet of paper, one deck of playing cards, pencils or markers.
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.
Denise Gaskins' Let's Play Math 