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Number Sense Components Part 1-Simple Strategies
The development of number sense is crucial to success in mathematics as well as in our students’ lives beyond school. Though number sense is commonly taught in primary grades, its emphasis fades in later years. In fact, though it is a mathematical strand in the frameworks of most states and is found in the Common Core Standards, textbooks tend to focus on number procedures instead of number sense. The problem is magnified when we consider that though students will study algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus in upper...
read moreSolving Equations DVD Sample Track
The ability to solve equations is a foundation of algebraic instruction and algebraic thinking. The student who is able to demonstrate a mastery of this skill is well on the way to success in understanding algebra and achieving success in higher mathematics courses. In this video, Brad and I will show you how we have presented this concept successfully in our own middle and high school classes. Our students have exhibited a high level of mastery of this concept both in their conceptual understanding and their computational expertise. Brad...
read moreTake Your Places DVD Sample Track
Today we have the opportunity to join Brad and his 8th grade students during an actual math lesson called “Take Your Places”. This activity begins by developing students’ number sense as they analyze a seemingly simple multiplication problem. However Brad quickly ramps up the mathematics from this elementary level standard as students develop a sense for the probability and algebraic underpinnings embedded within the activity. Brad directs the students’ thinking during the lesson by starting with a simple multiplication problem...
read moreNumber Line Classroom Video-Fostering Number Sense with Fractions Decimals and Percents
In this Brad demonstrates a powerful yet simple activity for fostering number sense with fractions, decimals, and percents. We all know how important number sense is in the development of mathematical thinking, and we also know that many students struggle with fraction concepts. This activity will help students acquire crucial skills in all three part/whole representations: percents, decimals, and fractions. Brad also extends this concept to help students formulate algebraic reasoning. While a textbook is fine for providing skills...
read moreMultiplying and Factoring Polynomials DVD Sample Track
This DVD addresses one of the more challenging topics we encounter as algebra teachers: multiplying and factoring polynomials. These can be vague and abstract concepts when presented traditionally, so we are demonstrating strategies that have proven highly successful in our own classrooms with all levels of students. We use a technique called “conceptual layering” to gradually transition students from their world of arithmetic on a successful journey to algebra. We will show you how to build each new concept upon previous ones so that...
read moreFast Facts and Fractions DVD Sample Track
In our sample track from Fast Facts and Fractions DVD, see how all of the students in our intervention class master multiplication facts and become proficient at all four fraction operations! Now we offer our popular workshops in a low-priced DVD format. These high quality presentations offer four key advantages: Quality: Bill and Brad have been recognized for their high quality and effective staff development at hundreds of presentations throughout the county. Every single workshop received rave reviews! Affordability: Not only is the...
read moreEquation Search Develops Number Sense
Equation Search is a great activity to start the year with, or use it whenever you wish to work on number concepts. The blank master included as a downloadable PDF file can be used for an overhead transparency or as a student homework master. The master with some colored “loops” shows some of the ways you can make equations from the given numbers. You may make equations horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. To make your own Equation Search you can use large grid paper to organize the numbers. If you wish to use a computer,...
read morePyramid Math Video Develops Number Sense through Number Patterns
The Pyramid Math creative practice activity facilitates discovery of number patterns and develops number sense. The activity works great with both positive and negative numbers and decimals and fractions. Because it can be designed to be self-checking, it is easy for the teacher and engaging for the students.
read moreGuess and Check Problem Solving Intermediate Video with Horses Pigs and Cows-Fractions and Negative Numbers
Here’s the second of a series of videos on Guess and Check Problem Solving using the Horses, Pigs, and Cows activity as an example. This video gives 4 key steps to success with this method. Learn how to: 1. Analyze the problem 2. Use Guess and Check to gain insight into the nature of the solution 3. Reduce the time taken to arrive at the solution 4. Become a better problem solver You can find the PDF file for this activity here. After you view the video and have a little practice, your number sense will...
read moreGuess and Check Problem Solving Introductory Video with Horses Pigs and Cows
Here’s the first of a series of videos on Guess and Check Problem Solving using the Horses, Pigs, and Cows activity as an example. This video gives 4 key steps to success with this method. Learn how to: 1. Begin the problem solving process 2. Use your initial guess to gain more clues to the solution 3. Check your result 4. Repeat the process until you have the solution You can find the PDF file for this activity here. After you view the video and have a little practice, you will be off and running...
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