Math Mania

  Why is and Why is One-to-One Correspondence Important? One-to-one correspondence is the ability to match an object to a corresponding number and recognize that the number has a value. Often young children count 1,2,3 but do not make the connection from the word number "five" to the number of objects in a given set. Developing one-to-one correspondence is extremely important. Simply put, one-to-one correspondence is the most fundamental skill needed to do the math. Without one-to-one correspondence, students will struggle in all areas of math. How to Teach One-to-One Correspondence Here are some simple ways you can help support the development of one-to-one correspondence skills in your classroom or at home: Count together with children as often as possible. Move each object from one side to another as you say each number word aloud. If the object cannot be moved, point or touch the items as you say each number word aloud. Asking children questions such as, “How will you kee...

Learning the Progress of Counting and Developing Beginning Number Sense Sequence "Subitization" Skip to Mini-lessons on Subitizing In an effort to continue learning the progress of counting and developing beginning number sense sequence, I will discuss subitizing. Subitization means “instantly seeing how many.” Seeing numbers in patterns and pictorial form is the foundation of strong number sense. Subsidization is at the root of the ability to see patterns, visualize numbers, understand the relationships between numbers, support operational fluency, and add and subtract mentally, all of which are essential math skills. There are two forms of subitization: Perceptual subitizing is the ability to see two or three objects and immediately know the number. Students can subitize small groups of objects, typically up to 5. This is an important first step in understanding math! As I mentioned last week, this skill is often exhibited in children who recognize the number on a die, suc...

  The Importance of Manipulatives "Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may remember. But involve me, and I'll understand."  Benjamin Franklin  I have taught for many years now, and a lot has changed. However, one thing has stayed consistent, which makes me strongly believe in the above quote; Hand-on, Minds-on activities always benefit a child's learning. Just think about a time when you learned something new. What made the new knowledge stick? Was it actually doing the task? Most likely, your answer is yes. Manipulatives are essential in the early stages of mathematics. Manipulative materials are any concrete objects that allow students to explore an idea in an active, hands-on approach. Manipulatives can be almost anything: blocks, cubes, bears, beans, fraction circles, base ten blocks, tangrams, shapes, spinners, or even paper that is cut or folded. When we use these manipulatives, learning occurs on multiple levels, including visual, auditory, tactile, ki...