Dr. Laura McLaughlin Taddei Making Math Fun Dr. Laura McLaughlin Taddei

Discuss ways to enhance children’s natural interest in mathematics and disposition towards mathematics Develop, implement, assess and modify curriculum and lessons using the PA Learning Standards Apply and identify the NCTM Standard, The PA Early Learning Standards and the NAEYC Early Mathematics Standards Demonstrate an understanding to various approaches to teaching math methods to Pre-K through 2nd grade students including using a variety of concrete and transitional materials to introduce, reinforce, and review mathematics skills and concepts Learning Outcomes

Math and Anxiety How do you feel about mathematics? Gresham (2007) conducted a study on pre-service teachers level of anxiety regarding mathematics Finding learner styles Discussing anxiety Making math fun Ways to combat math anxiety http://www.crosswalk.com/family/homeschool/how-to-deal-with-math-anxiety-1402757.html Math and Anxiety

Applying Bruner’s theory of developing conceptual knowledge before procedural knowledge – discovery learning Using manipulatives and other materials – make concepts more concrete and meaningful Data revealed a statistically significant reduction in math anxiety when Bruner’s theory was implemented (Gresham, 2007) http://www.simplypsychology.org/bruner.html Bruner’s Theory

How to Relieve Math Anxiety Use manipulatives Encourage small group discussions Journal Writing Literature Based Math Activities How to Relieve Math Anxiety

Young children learn by being actively involved To be good or proficient at mathematics, children must know more than the content. Children should be given opportunities to communicate and connect knowledge to other mathematical ideas and to other subject areas, represent their understanding, solve problems and reason, and demonstrate a disposition to think flexibly

Process Standards Problem solving Reasoning Communication Connections Representation Process Standards from NCTM Process Standards

Identify the Process Standards Please watch the video and identify process standards (as identified by the NCTM) being used. Math Instruction in a Seattle Public School Identify the Process Standards

Teacher’s role in the classroom When watching this video, how do the teachers describe their role in teaching math in the classroom - Everyday Math

Manipulative Small Group Activity You will be working in small groups with a hands-on math activity After completing the activity, please identify what your group decides is the goal of the activity (what is the big idea), the grade level this activity would be appropriate for, and at least five ways you could implement the process standards. Also how could you consider diversity and special needs of children with this activity How would you assess whether the concept was grasped? PA Common Core Standards for Math Manipulative Small Group Activity

Helping Children Problem-Solve Understand the problem Experience with material Prior knowledge Planning how to solve it Carrying out the plan Modify Try again Reviewing the solution Helping Children Problem-Solve

Promoting Reasoning Skills Ask question that require investigation and reasoning. Are you sure? How do you know? Why do you think …? What else can you find that works like this? What would happen if …? I wonder how this could be changed? What would the pattern be …? What if …? I wonder why …? Perhaps it’s because …? Promoting Reasoning Skills

Promoting Communication Skills Teacher’s can verbalize and restate mathematical concepts and process and ask questions to help children clarify or extend their ideas Also to help give them a lot of opportunities to talk with and listen to their peers Promoting Communication Skills

Promoting Connections The overall goal is understanding: if they can see how it is related or connected to other things they know Promoting Connections

Promoting Representation To encourage flexibility in mathematical representation use – pictorial (drawings, maps), graphical (bar graphs made from stacked objects, timelines, pictographs), and symbolic (tables, prose descriptions). Promoting Representation

Tips for Teaching Math Provide Opportunities to talk about Mathematics Build In Opportunities for Reflective Thought Encourage Multiple Approaches Teaching should provide opportunities for students to build connections between what they know and what they are learning. Engage Students in Productive Struggle Allow students the time to struggle with the mathematics they are exploring. Tips for Teaching Math

Tips for Teaching Math Treat Errors as Opportunities for Learning Scaffold New Content For concepts completely new to students, the learning requires more structure or assistance, including the use of tools like manipulatives or more assistance from peers. Honor Diversity Each learner is unique, with a different collection of prior knowledge and cultural experiences. Since new knowledge is build on existing knowledge and experience, effective teaching incorporates and builds on what the students bring to the classroom. Any additional tips or suggestions? Tips for Teaching Math

Math Games - Homemade Create your own math file game Choose an age you will focus on between pre-k to 2nd grade Decide on the common core standards and PA learning standards Have fun! Math Games - Homemade

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Complete a short exit activity – Minute paper. Thank you!!! Questions

People may forget what you did People may forget what you said But people will not forget how you made them feel Maya Angelou

Greshem, G. (2007). A study of mathematics anxiety in pre-service teachers. Early Childhood Journal. Early Childhood Education Standards can be accessed at - http://www.pde.state.pa.us/earlychildhood/ Math Forum is a leading online resource for improving math learning, teaching, and communications hosted by Drexel University - http://www.mathforum.org/ National Council of Teachers of Mathematics supports math education, professional development and research - www.nctm.org Learner.org can be used for teacher professional development and as a classroom resource across all curriculums hosted by Annenberg Learner - http://www.learner.org/ Resources