Early elementary school students are expected to solve twelve distinct types of word problems. A math researcher and two teachers pose a structure for thinking about one problem type that has not been studied as closely as the other eleven. In this article, the authors share some of their discoveries with regard to the variety of…

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…

Traditionally, the first mathematical task for primary grade students to master is addition. Mastering addition facts is truly a positive experience. Then one turns to subtraction. After mastering addition facts, many students think that subtraction facts are a whole new set of facts to learn that have nothing to do with addition facts. They do…

Jean Piaget (1970) defined "disequilibrium" as a conflict between new ideas and current conceptions. In this article, the author describes how introducing this concept to her first graders improved formative assessment results and the overall classroom climate during mathematics class. Students feel success in mathematics even without mastering a…

The authors describe a hands-on program that they developed after their attendance at the NCTM Algebra Academy. The article explains how to use literature to capture youngsters' attention and engage them in interactive mathematical activities.

This article challenges the traditional model for teaching computation in the primary grades. It describes a model in which students are encouraged to invent and use alternative computation procedures.

This article features Number Time, a site developed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for young mathematics learners, located at www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime. The site uses interactive animation to help children in pre-K through grade 2 understand and practice number basics. Users will find online games, videos that tell number…

Discusses classroom practices that promote the understanding of number concepts in the primary grades. (Author/NB)

Describes first grade students' mathematical investigation of the number of spots on a cheetah. The exploration of counting and estimation strategies that grew from the investigation gives evidence that mathematicians come in all ages. (ASK)

Describes how third grade students worked together to investigate relationships between fractions and percents using a spreadsheet tool. Highlights a dynamic classroom environment in which students and teachers work together as a community to learn and do mathematics. (ASK)

Describes the changes in a kindergarten teacher's thinking of what it means to teach and learn mathematics as a result of her participation in a professional development program called the InMath project. Focuses on children's mathematical thinking and characteristics of young mathematicians. (ASK)

Presents a long-term project that directs students' focus toward real world uses of mathematics and instills in them the excitement of engaging in mathematical work. Describes how a third grade class created a book about mathematics that contains mathematical games and puzzles, original story problems, and mathematical riddles. (ASK)

Describes an informal research activity in which third grade students invent their own algorithms for multidigit multiplication and division. Discusses teaching implications and action research ideas. (ASK)

Describes a mathematics lesson using digital sums that allows teachers to assess third grade students' understanding of reasoning, arithmetic, and geometry. (ASK)

Describes how classification came alive in a third grade classroom as children searched for rules or properties defining the five Platonic solids, then constructed a precise definition to classify these solids. (ASK)