A 14-year-old Brazilian boy in the fourth grade was given 170 problems orally, each asking for the sum of 2 2-digit numbers. Responses indicated he had invented his own algorithm for addition, similar to the school one, based largely on his experiences with money. (Contains 13 references.) (JAF)

Activities that allow students to represent patterns concretely before showing the patterns in color on paper are presented. Three basic activities are described, with suggestions made for extensions that allow further pupil exploration of multiples. Student discovery of relationships not found by the teacher is expected. (MP)

Provides methods of teaching negative number operations, including addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Presents examples and activities for the operations. (YP)

Primary students can learn about computation and estimation by reading a story about the use of money, then following up with estimation and calculation activities. Intermediate students can explore the relationship between addition and multiplication using a computation game, collaborating on when, how, and why they use addition and…

Parents can encourage their children to become better mathematical thinkers. The article describes how to assist children with problem solving and presents activities that develop specific skills (estimating, counting, sorting, volume, fractions, multiplication, money, story problems, patterning, averaging, computation, magic squares, plane…

Calculators can be used in primary schools in a number of situations. They are most beneficial when working with large numbers, dealing with real data that leads to complex calculations, performing repetitive calculations, developing concepts, estimating and checking, problem solving, and looking for patterns and/or relationships. But what if the…

This paper looks at the issue of mathematics learning from a developmental perspective. It begins by focusing on the importance for teachers of understanding how mathematical thinking develops. The New Zealand Number Framework is used as an example of a developmental progression that is of particular relevance to the teaching of mathematics. The…

The author suggests that the efficient use of mathematics in everyday life means translating situations into mathematical contexts, using a calculator and mental methods of calculation. Suggestions for teaching these concepts are included. (PK)

In one experiment, subjects from third grade through college relied on memory retrieval rather than on counting to solve multiplication problems. An effect of confusing problems on error rates and reaction times indicated the activation of related information. In a second experiment, subjects demonstrated automaticity of fact retrieval on simple…

Learning the techniques of critical thinking and problem solving can be easy for children when presented problems involving fun topics. Problem sets which range from easy to hard written by elementary school students and educational consultants are included. Topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. Each topic…

Describes activities for primary grades to practice shape identification, computation, and geometric designs. The materials include reproducible worksheets. (PK)

Developed for elementary teachers, this activity unit is designed to teach students the importance of estimation in developing quantitative thinking. Nine ways in which estimation is useful to students are listed, and five general guidelines are offered to the teacher for planning estimation activities. Specific guidelines are provided for…

The concept of multiplication is described and illustrated using several different representational systems. A conceptual approach to teaching mathematics is compared with the procedural approach commonly found in the school curriculum. Four different methods of representing the multiplication process with numbers larger than ten are presented:…

Practice on computation is provided using new and novel situations, with discovery of number patterns a bonus of the computation. Activities with disguised addition and multiplication tables for whole numbers and integers are presented for varying levels. (MNS)

Results of a comparison of 73 Anglo American and 155 Chinese American (CA) fourth through sixth graders on an intelligence test and measures of the speed and consistency of retrieval of arithmetic facts from long-term memory are consistent with the hypothesis that accessing elementary arithmetic knowledge is more completely automatized in CA…