1. McGraw-Hill/Contemporary
Math Strategies
McGraw-Hill/Contemporary
Maxine McCormick

2. Where it Started
Not memorizing the Multiplication Tables is the downfall of many students
How can we help our students memorize the tables keeping the 7 chunks of information rule of learning?
Are there any shortcuts to memorizing the tables?
Do flash cards help?

3. 7 Chunk Rule Most student know their 1,2,5,10,11 times tables
We will show them the short cut to the 9’s
We only have the students learn the ones they don’t know in chunks of seven
Start with the three’s
3x3, 3x4, 3x6, 3x7, 3x8, 3x12
Get index cards to create flash cards

4. Times Tables When they know these, start the 4’s
4x4, 4x6, 4x7, 4x8, 4x12
Now the six times tables
6x6, 6x7, 6x8, 6x12
Sevens 7x7, 7x8, 7x12
Eights 8x8, 8x12
Elevens 11x11, 11x12
12x12 Practice, Practice, Practice

5. Speed is the Key
When a student has to spend unnecessary energy figuring out times tables the fraction problem gets too complicated.
We use the times tables in almost every fraction operation
Word Problems become impossible because this now requires reading, step application, and times tables
Time is of the essence

6. Difficult Concepts
Decimals are easier to learn than fractions teach this skill right after memorizing times tables
Division and multiplication of decimals gives practice to the times tables without too much complication
Give three simple rules
In add and sub – Line everything to the decimal point
In mult - Count the place values behind the decimal point and move the decimal that amount to the left

7. Decimals
In div – Keep the divisor a whole number what you move on one side you must move in the other
Practice word problems now
Don’t Wait Till They Learn All The Math Concepts
Make sure you use consumer math and money management in you problems

8. System for Word Problems
5 Step Model
1. Identify the Question
2. Gather All the Facts
3.Decide Which Math Operation to Use
4. Find an Answer
5. Compare Your Answer to the Question

9. Fractions The Meaning of Fractions First
Add and Subtract Concepts next
Word Problems
Then Introduce Mult and Division
Invert Rule is a Must
Don’t rush teaching fractions. It requires time tables, processing, and complex rules

10. Percents
Part, Whole, 100%, ?
Teach the Fill in the Blank Rule. It’s the cleanest and easiest rule to remember
Part Part%
Whole X 100%
? May be in any spot except the 100% It’s a constant
Cross multiple and divide by the ?

11. Numeration, Geometry, Algebra
It’s important to teach Numeration first
Vocabulary and Concepts first
I would teach Geometry next. It’s more concrete and a good way to introduce formulas.
Word Problems and meaningful problems
Then on to Algebra
Teach add and sub separate from mult and div rules.

12. Think About Using Printable SAMS
Gives 40 questions per skill on all levels of TABE
Can reproduce as many as you want forever
Gives practice to take home without taking a book
Is designed like TABE so the student get great assessment practice for progress