Presented by Heather Sparks, NBCT 2009 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year

 Lack of prior knowledge  Missing foundational skills  Limited experiences with “doing” math  “One right answer” approach  “Permission” to be “bad” at math  Others?

Every day, provide meaningful math investigations through manipulatives, games, puzzles, and stories. Content example: (Pre-K) Making Patterns (1 st ) Roller Derby

Every day, expect students to explain their thinking. Content example: (2) Counting backwards (4) Loose caboose

Manipulatives should be available and integrated into every math lesson. Content example: (2) Showing half (3) Snap cube measurement

Students should be taught specific strategies to improve memory and understanding. Content example: (1) Coin Chants (3) Finger Multiplication

Coin Chants

Students should maintain a math journal to record and store math resources. Content example: (4) Gallon map (5) Big Inch

The BIG Inch Identity Property

This presentation and other resources are available at www. hisparks.com