The call for "Back to Basics" is reviewed in regard to mathematics instruction. Activities associated with the annual Basic Skills in Math Month in Syracuse, New York public schools are featured. Improvement of student scores on statewide tests during this period is seen as more than just coincidence. (MP)

Described is a teaching approach that applies principles of cooperative learning to an individualized program for learning mathematics in grades 3-6. The program, Team Assisted Individualization, has several important elements including student teams, a placement test, curriculum materials, the team-study method, team scores and team recognition,…

A special banking unit is described which is devised to get students actively involved and give realistic experiences in dealing with situations in everyday life. The material is viewed to involve a great deal of work for teachers, but a tremendous amount of learning and fun is projected for pupils. (Author/MP)

Details of a scope-and-sequence outline for problem solving in the elementary mathematics program of the Philadelphia School District are provided. The emphasis is seen to be on process rather than product. Information about the first 18 of 21 levels in the problem-solving strand is provided. (MP)

The author describes a method of individualizing instruction in fifth-and sixth-grade arithmetic classes without extra staff, materials, or expensive facilities. (MN)

An after-school program in which fifth and sixth graders were taught how to use the BASIC programming language using computer terminals is described. (MN)

A variety of experiences, both in school and in the community (e.g. TV program), were planned to raise awareness of the metric system and the sizes of metric units. The activities are described, and several worksheets are provided in this article. (SD)

The combination of dramatics with mathematics is promoted. The script of a play "Even Nothing is Something" is presented in full. The material is used to convey mathematical concepts through the use of plays and skits. It is noted that students who struggle with daily work sparkle in the plays. (MP)

An elementary mathematics curriculum, the Comprehensive School Mathematics Program (CSMP), is discussed in terms of program philosophy, materials used, and the evaluation done so far. (MK)

Microcomputers are viewed to have infinite patience and the ability to select appropriate exercises, give instant feedback, provide positive reinforcement, and fascinate primary grade children. The focus of the material is on descriptions of computer programs that have been developed for use with elementary school pupils. (MP)

A brief description is presented of a curriculum offered in one school system that applies much of the available research on how children learn. Materials used, goals for instruction, concepts emphasized, and intellectual processes engaged in each of grades kindergarten through third are noted. (MP)

The study looked at the initial learning of decimal concepts at grades three, four, and five. Helping children understand the concepts of decimals prior to computational use is promoted as a major goal for elementary education. The investigation is seen to have provided insights that could be applied to instruction. (Author/MP)

A proposal to shift to a conceptually oriented curriculum using the calculator as an instructional tool and to eliminate the teaching of complex computations in elementary school is presented. (MP)

An enrichment program emphasizing activities with calculators and computers for mathematically advanced children is discussed. How the program was implemented in grades three - six and in grades one - two is described in some detail. A schedule of activities and a list of resources is also given. (MNS)

Details of a Math Day held at an elementary school are presented. The day was developed because of a perceived need to provide pupils with experiences that would help them develop positive attitudes and view mathematics as more than just an isolated subject comprised of only computational skills. (MP)