Motivating all Maths Learners to Succeed

Number Talk - if you don't know the multiplication fact automatically, what strategy could be used to solve it efficiently?

Kids need to understand their multiplication facts, not rote memorise them.
Once they embed strategies that they understand to solve these facts it will become automatic and they can use these strategies to access facts beyond 10x10.

What do you notice?

We had a fun afternoon playing with maths at Belgrave Library

Playful Maths at Belgrave Library
How many squares?

Join me, this Friday 24th April at Belgrave Library Playful Maths at Belgrave Library

Friday 27th February 3:30 -4:30
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https://motivatingallmathslearners.com/

Is this one of the most common challenges in K-12 Maths? It goes like this:

A student has learned the steps for some maths. They know how to follow them, and how to get a correct answer. But, they don't 'get it'. And, often, when it comes to the next lesson, they forget what's come before.

The thing is, students in these situations don't have enough mathematical connections to what they're learning. That's why tools, manipulatives and visuals are so important. And some have astonishing power.

The humble number line is no exception.

It doesn't have one use. It's not just for early learners. Or for high schoolers. Instead, the number line is a versatile tool that can be used across topics and across year levels.

Think: Comparing and ordering numbers. Probability. Visualising arithmetic. Calculating ratios on a double number line. Graphing quadratics on a Cartesian plane. And so on.

Across these examples, I've found that the number line help learners in five ways:

1. Shows how numbers are continuous in a way that counting objects doesn't allow. So, it helps learners to see there are numbers between whole numbers. And numbers between those numbers,

2. Provides a visual that over time forms a mental model.
That is, it helps learners to mentally picture numbers in a new way,

3. Which helps to strengthen mental representations of number properties and relationships
For example, where numbers of different types and sizes sit on the number line.

4. Encourages estimation and benchmarking of quantities.
This helps learners to sense-check ideas based on what they know.

5. Strengthens mental arithmetic strategies.
For example, which direction to move from 0 when operating with numbers.

(Got more you'd add to this list?)

In the Mathematical Association of Victoria's Prime Number journal, I recently shared a favourite game that centres on the number line. It's quick to learn, easily adaptable and helps students build valuable number skills. Check it out in the image below.

What do you call these shapes?

Which is the odd one out?

Timely reminder, as the school year is under way again that our displays for mathematics are best done when co constructing with our students.

Make sure to expose kids to regular and irregular flats.