Math is Elemental

Help students look for the difference. The attached is based on the idea behind Ten Frames and is intended to help with basic subtraction. To get one in the habit of looking for the gap. It helps early on when filling out pages of single-digit subtraction problems. One can learn to quickly identify numbers one and two digits apart. Helps later on when faced with problems like: calculating: 201 - 199 = ? or, 201 - 6 = ? Same skill. Mind the gap. 'See' the values on a number line. Then decide

The introduction of Decimals is a good time to show that the Ones column is the foundation of the numbering system. The Place Value chart is symmetrical around this column - not the Decimal Point. Too many students think the Decimal Point is the center. Too many PV charts imply the Decimal Point is the center. Emphasizing the Ones column helps address this common mistake. Note: The Ones column is not labeled as Whole Numbers to emphasize the symmetry of Place Value.

This handout is not intended to replace the valuable interactive exercise of rounding on an open number line. Once the rounding concept of the 'closest number' is understood, this summary can help with the mechanics.

Students no longer need to memorize the 9-multiples! This method simply links two skills that Kindergarteners learn: Count back and Make10. They learn these first because they are simple, fast, and useful. They get to practice both using this method. To calculate the 9s: Count the multiplier back one and make it a 10. That's it! This method of calculating the 9-multiples will save students millions of hours per year when finally shared...so please share it! The 9-multiples are

This introduction to decimals leverages what students already know about place value and fractions to teach the first decimal place.

A way to visualize the division of larger numbers. Page 1 of 2

A way to visualize the division of larger numbers. Page 2 of 2