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

2. 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

3. 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
Math and Anxiety

4. 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)
Bruner’s Theory

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

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

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