Here’s how to understand and explain some of the top confusing terms in mathematics – pain free. Continue Reading →
Category Archives: General
Be the Village – How to Help Every Kid with Math
You might not be a nurturer, but you can still be part of the village it takes to raise a child. You can help with math! Continue Reading →
The Only Reason to Do a Word Problem
I’ve avoided teaching word problems for years. I never really knew why – until now. A word problem is only important if you’re emotionally attached to it! Continue Reading →
5 Philosophies of Teaching Math
Video by Sean O’Neil showing four philosophies of teaching math and then the 5th and most important one – the combination of the four! Continue Reading →
How to Answer ‘When am I going to use this?’
There’s only one right answer to this question. And yet we all try to give other answers. Sometimes our answers drive away kids from math. Continue Reading →
How to Step Things Up in Math Teaching
This ain’t your daddy’s math class. Math teaching is now more about facilitating learning. Kids need to be allowed to get it in their own ways. Continue Reading →
How to Use Flashcards when Teaching Math
It is not necessary that math be learned “in context.” Kids can learn math facts using flashcards and still have fun. And still learn lots! Continue Reading →
You Get Only One Chance When Teaching Math
Actually, you get only one chance when teaching anything. I was in an internal adult training class for corporate websites. In the middle of a discussion one student said, “How about if we each take something about Sharepoint that interests us, research it and report back to the group?” Great idea, right? The instructor put… Continue Reading →
How to Use a Student’s Experiences to Teach Math – The Story of a Former Drug Dealer
A quarter pound of drugs is 1/4 of a pound! Image via Wikipedia Do you have an especially difficult student? Does one kid stand out as just not getting it? The answer lies not in your approach, but in their perception of their own capabilities. My Former Drug Dealer Student I was teaching Oilfield Math… Continue Reading →
Why It’s Okay to Teach Algorithms
We had a lively discussion at last week’s homeschool math chat about teaching algorithms versus allowing a discovery learning process. What I can’t help but think about when I reread this discussion is how this compares to teaching a child manners. Teach kids manners early. Very early. I know someone who elected to wait until… Continue Reading →