Recently I spent some time in a primary math class. We gave the following question adapted from Dr. Marian Small’s Open Question resource. I have 4 coins. What might they be? What are the possibilities? After the students spent some time coming up with several possibilities we consolidated by asking … More Four Coins Investigation »
I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and I look for ways to engage them in activities that promote their math and literacy skills. In anticipation of our days summer days together, I made a trip to the dollar store for materials to build with. I came home with a … More Summer Fun and Learning »
I was not planning on writing a post on Easter Sunday, but some real-life math occurred while preparing for dinner. I am sharing here what I posted on my Math Motivator Facebook page. My ham is 5.49 kilograms. The instructions say to cook it 12-15 minutes per pound or … More Easter Math »
I just finished making brownies (from a box) with my granddaughter Charlotte who is in Junior Kindergarten. I was reminded about all of the ways both math and literacy can be injected into a fun time. I baked with my own children when they were young but I know … More Tasty Math Homework »
I love games that require very little preparation and materials but really focus on important math concepts and skills. Here is one that will allow students to identify different coins and understand their value. In addition they are developing an understanding of equal groups and unitizing … More Money Race Games »
September is such an exciting time as it marks the start of a new school year. It is a time for students, educators and parents to have a fresh start and get off on the right foot. Although I will not be returning to work in the same way as … More Key Math Messages to Educators and Parents »
As a grandparent I have so much fun playing with my grandchildren in a way that I do not remember doing so with my own children. Maybe this is because I approach play from a perspective of observing and wondering much like my work in classrooms. I think being less … More Play-based Learning at Home »
