Principal Fatheree: February 2012

Math Resources for Parents

Would you like to know why math instruction at the elementary level looks different than it did when you were in school? Are you stumped by the strategies your child is using with math homework? Read on . . . .

At the end of this document, we have listed a variety of resources for those of you who are interested in reading about the scholarly basis for the change in mathematics instruction in recent years. For those of you who would like the brief version… the main point to remember is that children must understand the conceptual basis of numbers and procedures in order to be mathematical thinkers, a critical skill for the 21st century.

You might notice your child using one or more of the following strategies as they solve problems with basic number operations. Do not be alarmed! These strategies keep the “place value” meaning of numbers and are used to introduce operations before teaching students the procedure or algorithm (how you and I were taught to compute). Check out these videos on YouTube and read about some of the “whys” after you’ve watched the videos.

Teaching Strategies (Hold down the control key while clicking to access these videos.)

Addition and Subtraction

Partial Sums Addition

Partial Differences Subtraction with 2 Digits

Partial Differences Subtraction with 3 Digits

Subtraction using a Number Line

Addition using a Number Line

Multiplication

Multiplication with Area Model

Partial Product Multiplication with 2 Digits

Partial Product Multiplication-Box Method

Division

Division with Area Models

Division using Big 7 (Single Digit Divisor)

Division using Big 7 (Double Digit Divisor)

Teaching Conceptually

Why are students taught conceptually before moving to the procedure (or algorithm)?

To understand the meaning, the use and connections between addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division;
To understand the “why” and “how” of operations and not just memorizing steps (what most of us learned in school);
To select from a tool kit of computational strategies (including mental computation) for each operation;
To be proficient mathematicians;
To promote students’ capacity to think flexibly of numbers as sums and differences of other numbers with all mental and written calculations².

Do we still teach the procedure? YES

The procedure, also known as the algorithm, is sometimes a more efficient strategy for students when in written form.
As students make connections and show understanding of the operation conceptually, teachers then instruct procedure (algorithm).
Differentiated instruction in small group provides the flexibility for teachers to assess children’s readiness to move to the procedure.

Please contact your child’s teacher if you have questions or want to know more about math instruction in FISD. As always, we appreciate your partnership with FISD staff to ensure a quality education for your child.

Resources:

Elementary Math Curriculum Resources

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):

Mathematical Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for grades K-12

Investigations Parent Communication

Investigations

STAAR

State of Texas Assessment on Academic Readiness

Overview of the TEKS:

Mathematics Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills overview

Elementary Math Research of Best Instructional Practices

Investigations Research