Math Teaching Tips

Posted by David Wetzel

Math Teaching Tips

It is important for students be placed in situations in which they must apply, what they are learning in mathematics, to personal experiences and situations. This helps reinforce math concepts and moves them to a level of true understanding in mathematics.

Math Teaching Tips

Real World Geometry – take students outside and have them draw pictures of all the geometric shapes they see. Then have them share after reentering the classroom.

Weekly Word Problems – once a week begin math class with a word problem students must answer related to current concepts being studied. This is a key step in learning how to develop problem solving skills.

Use Math Tradebooks – use tradebooks in connection with concept being studied, such as: Anno’s Magic Seeds, Very Hungry Caterpillar, Sir Cumference, and Grapes of Math.

GeoBoards – use geoboards for students to design their own shapes and describe them to each other using correct geometric terminology.

Additional Resources

10 Math Teaching Tips for Elementary School - Problem solving, mental math, integration of technology, interactive math websites, math games, and more are all critical to helping students understand and learn math.

Teaching Math with a Box - A hands-on, minds-on approach to teaching and learning math; students apply concepts and share their findings with classmates and others in their school.

Math Function Generator Game - Math games help students make connections within and between math concepts as they learn to problem solve outside the normal math learning context.

Writing in Mathematics - An overview is provided of the importance and why writing in math is different. A recommended checklist is provided to help students write clear math papers.

Tips for Teaching Variables and Equations

Posted by David Wetzel

Math Variables and Equations

Here is one method for reinforcing middle school math terms such as variables and equations. The key is to make it visual. Start with the basics, use colors, and take it one step at a time.

Reinforcing Variables and Equations

Materials:

• unlined white paper
• black marker
• red marker

1. Begin with a simple, one-step equation. Use a black marker to write “n + 2 = 5”.

• Student must solve for “n”

Discussion:

• What is the opposite of +2?” (-2)
• What you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side

Show:

• n + 2 – 2 = 5 – 2 (write “- 2 “on both sides in red)
• n = 3

2. Next, practice a one-step subtraction equation

Show:

• n – 3 = 6 (using black marker)
• n – 3 + 3 = 6 + 3 (write “+3” on both sides in red)
• n = 9

3. Next, move on to two-step equations

Show:

• 5y – 10 = 5 9 (using black marker)

Discussion:

• You must get “y” by itself
• What is the opposite of - 10?  (+10)
• What you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side

Show:

• 5y – 10 + 10 = 5 + 10 (write “+10” to both sides in red)
• 5y = 15

Discussion:

• 5y means “5 times y”
• What is the opposite of “times”? (divide)
• To get y by itself, divide both sides by 5.

Show:

• 5y = 15 (write “/ 5” on both sides in red)
• 5y / 5 = 15 / 5
• y = 3

Additional Tips

By using colors, students can easily see and review the steps required to solve one and two-step equations.Keep practicing until the process of solving simple equations becomes automatic.

Equations quickly become more complex, requiring several steps. Be sure your middle-schooler has a concrete understanding of the basics so s/he is able to move ahead with confidence.

Resources

12 Tips for Solving Word Problems

Illuminations - An Interactive Math Website for Learning Math