February Math Minute
Every Child. Every day. For a Better Tomorrow.
Motivating Students to LOVE Math
- Be enthusiastic while presenting math because when students see that you value mathematics, they will understand its importance.
- Build on skills students have mastered to give them a sense of accomplishment.
- Show students how they use math in their daily lives.
- Present students with challenges that are within their reach and piques their interest.
- Look for ways to incorporate technology into your lessons.
- Make math fun by playing games.
- Find creative ways to add music to your lessons.
Watch the video below for one example of motivating students to LOVE math!!!
A Closer Look at Math Rules . . . . . .
In the article 13 Rules That Expire (NCTM, 2014), authors Karen Karp, Sarah Bush, and Babara Dougherty identify thirteen rules that are not always true in mathematics. The article builds a strong case for why "always" rules are not so "always" and challenges us as elementary teachers of mathematics to pay close attention to the vocabulary we use and how we develop student understanding.
- When you multiply a number by ten, just add a zero to the end of the number.
- Use keywords to solve problems.
- You cannot take a bigger number from a smaller number.
- Addition and multiplication makes numbers bigger.
- Subtraction and division makes numbers smaller.
- You always divide the larger number by the smaller number.
- Two negatives make a positive.
- Multiply everything inside the parentheses by the number outside the parentheses.
- Improper fractions should always be written as a mixed number.
- The number you say first in counting is always less then the number that comes next.
- The longer the number the larger the number.
- Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
- The equal sign means find the answer or write the answer.
Watch the video below for more insight on conceptual understanding versus procedures and rules.
Daily Use of the Standards for Mathematical Practice
Upcoming Professional Development
Link - https://www.smore.com/s9r86
Please register for courses in MyTalent.
We Want to Hear From You
Thank you for your commitment to the students in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Gabr'l Stackhouse, Elementary Math Specialist
Email - gabrlc.stackhouse@cms.k12.nc.us
Kaneka Turner, Elementary Math Specialist
Email - k.turner@cms.k12.nc.us