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?

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Every day, provide meaningful math investigations through manipulatives, games, puzzles, and stories. Content example: (5-6) What’s My Rule?

Every day, expect students to explain their thinking. Content example: (6) Two-dice sum

Manipulatives should be available and integrated to every math lesson. Content example: (8) Extend & Explain

Students should be taught specific strategies to Improving memory and understanding Content example: (6+) Order of Operations Chant

Paren- theses Expo- nents Multi – ply, Divide Add, Subtract Left to right, Order’s on your side!

Students should maintain a math journal to record and store math resources. Content example: (8+) Exponent rule foldable

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