In this article, the authors share a variety of ways to formatively assess basic fact fluency. The define fluency, raise some issues related to timed testing, and then share a collection of classroom-tested ideas for authentic fact fluency assessment. This article encourages teachers to try a variety of alternative assessments from this sampling,…

In the technology-rich twenty-first century, students are required to actively construct their knowledge and collaboratively engage in problem solving by using such skills as adaptability, communication, self-management, and systematic thinking. In accordance with this necessity, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education…

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22. Teachers often commemorate Earth Day with their classes by planting trees, discussing important conservation topics (such as recycling or preventing pollution), and encouraging students to take care of planet Earth. To promote observance of Earth Day in an intermediate elementary school classroom, this…

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSI 2010) expect second grade students to "fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies" (2.OA.B.2). Most children begin with number word sequences and counting approximations and then develop greater skill with counting. But do all teachers really understand how this…

As students progress from working with whole numbers to working with integers, they must wrestle with the big ideas of number values and order. Using objects to show positive quantities is easy, but no physical negative quantities exist. Therefore, when talking about integers, the author refers to number values instead of number quantities. The…

Designed for a broad audience, including educators, camp directors, afterschool coordinators, and preservice teachers, this investigation aims to help individuals experience mathematics in unconventional and exciting ways by engaging them in the physical activity of building geometric shapes using ropes. Through this engagement, the author…

Improving the mathematical experiences of students depends on teachers' commitment and support for reflecting on and learning from their classroom teaching experience. In this article, the authors invite readers to consider using classroom photographs as tools for learning in a professional learning community (PLC) and perhaps as a stepping…

Math games can be powerful tools in helping students achieve automaticity in basic addition and related subtraction facts if both teachers and students use them purposefully. According to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM 2000), developing a solid mathematical foundation is essential for every child in prekindergarten through…

Incorporating algebra into the elementary grades has become a focus for teachers, principals, and administrators across the country. The Dinner Tables problem described in this article is a lesson commonly used in elementary grades for its algebraic potential. Instructional strategies for supporting algebra instruction use an example from a…

This article suggests how teachers can use questions while students play games to develop their mathematical reasoning. (Contains 4 figures.)

This article, which describes integrating virtual manipulatives with the teaching of probability at the elementary level, puts a "virtual spin" on the teaching of probability to provide more opportunities for students to experience successful learning. The traditional use of concrete manipulatives is enhanced with virtual coins and spinners from…

This article describes one teacher's journey to improve her teaching of mathematics by conducting classroom-based inquiry to meet the specific mathematical needs in her second grade classroom. Her process to develop and improve computational fluency through research-based methods is detailed. (Contains 9 figures.)

This article describes the process of design and implementation of a hands-on unit on fractions in the sixth grade. The fraction unit, taught by a classroom teacher with the aid of a university professor, uses pattern blocks to help students develop conceptual understanding of fractions. Student misunderstandings and outcomes are presented, as…

A holiday quilt project in a kindergarten classroom becomes a focus for exploring patterns, shapes, measurement, spatial relationships, and number sense. Cooperative group work, problem solving, and communication of mathematical ideas enhance the completion of the project. (Contains 5 figures.)

This article describes a lesson study project that explored the impact of using storybooks to teach mathematics in three kindergarten classrooms. The study involved three kindergarten teachers and three university educators, who collaborated to plan, design, implement revise, and reflect on a unit of mathematics that focused on the concept of…