West Dalhousie Math Night January 27 th, 2011

Evening Agenda Welcome Parent Presentation Problem-Solving Mental Mathematics Manipulatives Classroom Experience for Families

Problem-Solving The Distant Past: Problems were solved by applying procedures, once proficient The Recent Past: Problem-solving strategies were taught separately from other math concepts

Problem-Solving Current Research Strongly Suggests: Students learn mathematical skills and procedures best through problem-solving experiences.

“Students should be confident and flexible problem-solvers, using a wide range of strategies in their work, and accept that some problems have different solutions.” ( Alberta Program of Studies for K–9 Mathematics)

Why Teach Through Problem-solving? Engaging and fun Allows for success at different levels Involves all mathematical skills Reinforces that mathematics makes sense and is meaningful to students Prepares students for unpredictable future

Mental Mathematics Essential skills in the real world Encourage the use of personal strategies Develop empowered mathematical thinkers Require flexible thinking

Mental Mathematics 15 x 8=? x 8105 x 8 = 40 = x 8 = x 8 =

Mental Mathematics 15 x 8 = ? Estimate: 10 x Round DownRound Up 158 = x 8 ≈ 100

Mental Mathematics I had some coins in my pocket that made 39¢. Suddenly, 14¢ fell out. How much money do I have left in my pocket?

Mental Mathematics I had some coins in my pocket that made 39¢. Suddenly, 14¢ fell out. How much money do I have left in my pocket?

Mental Mathematics I had some coins in my pocket that made 39¢. Suddenly, 14¢ fell out. How much money do I have left in my pocket? 39¢ - 14¢ = ? -4 35¢ - 10¢ = ? 25¢ = ?

Manipulatives Any concrete object that can be used to show mathematical thinking (blocks, shapes, spinners, folded paper.)

Manipulatives

How Parents Can Help at Home Look for and expose the math in everyday situations (counting, patterning, measuring, estimating) Play games that reinforce mathematical thinking and skills (cribbage, dominoes, chess, etc.) Encourage multiple ways to solve problems

But What do I Say??? Ask, don’t tell. “How do you know?” “What were you thinking about?” “Would there be another way to solve this?” “Is your answer reasonable?” “Can you teach me how to do it your way?”

What’s Next? Travel as a family to each child’s area Activities in classrooms (problem- solving, mental math, manipulatives) Questions Feedback