FINAL REQUIREMENTS

IN
TEACHING MATH IN THE PRIMARY
GRADES

SUBMITTED BY:
AMPARADO, JOLLIE C.
BEST PRACTICES IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN ELEMENTARY GRADES

Mathematics introduces children to concepts, skills and thinking strategies that are
essential in every life and support learning across the curriculum. It helps children make
sense of the numbers, patterns and shapes they see in the world around them, offers
ways of handling data in an increasingly digital world and makes a crucial contribution to
their development as successful learners. Children delight in using mathematics to
solve problem, especially when it leads them to an unexpectedly discovery or new
connections. As their confidence grows, they look for patters, use logical reasoning,
suggest solution and try out different approaches to problems. Mathematics offers
children a powerful way communicating. They learn to explore and explain their ideas
using symbols, diagrams and spoken and written language. They start to discover how
mathematics has developed over time and contribute to our economy, society and
culture. Studying mathematics stimulates curiosity, fosters creativity and equips children
with the skills they need in life beyond school.

THE MATH TEACHERS

Math teachers have a nuanced job. They must teach the building blocks of math, such
as number sense and operational skills, as well boost student ability to think about
problems. They need to incorporate aspects of language, including reading and writing,
into their subject and provide direct instruction on methods of exploration. Additionally,
math teachers must motivate students to try and teach them to persevere when problem
are challenging.
In shaping, monitoring and evaluating their medium term planning. Teachers should
ensure that sufficient prominence is given to each of the five reasons for teaching
mathematics.

1. Its importance in everyday life and society;

2. Its importance in other curriculum areas;
3. Its importance in relation to the learners intellectual development;
4. Its importance in developing the child’s enjoyment of learning;
5. It distinctive in human knowledge and culture.

METHODS FOR TEACHING MATH

When we talk about method, we mean how content is being taught. This runs the gamut
from style of instruction for example, lecture vs. hands on materials used. Guiding
children through the maze of mathematical concept can be a demanding task.
Teachers, however, can use several methods to ensure the process is rewarding.
 Use Visual

Many students need to see a lesson in addition to hearing it. While explaining an
operation or skill, use a visual or graphic to help get the point across. This can be as
simple as showing the lesson on a document camera or as savvy as using a video or
other technology tool. Note that children do best when instruction is paired with a visual;
using a visual as a stand- alone teaching device isn’t always effective. Vary your usage
to keep students engaged.

Make Connections
Our brains are machines that thrive on connections. In fact, long term memory is a
complicated web of neurons, or brain cells, banded together. To help students make
sense of concepts, provide them with connections to the real world or previously taught
lessons. Always begin a new lesson with a reminder of the last. For example, you might
say, ‘yesterday, we learned about the numerator in fraction. Today, well take a closer
look at the other part of a fraction: the denominator.
Also, pay close attention to how students react to the connections you make. For
example, one group might understand best when you use board games as an example,
while another group might react better to an example connected to sports.
Use Assessments
Math is typically a progression based subject. Skills build one upon another, and the
order in which they’re taught is predetermined. Because of this, a math teacher doesn’t
have to think much about what to teach when, but it is necessary to use assessments to
determine student understanding. Formative assessment, or informal assessments
meant to check in on student learning and drive future instruction, should be used
frequently. This can help teachers identify students who struggle and allow additional
small group or one on one instruction
Formative assessments aren’t usually taken for grades. Students need to feel
comfortable with their exploration of a subject without fear of their performance being
used for grading.
Focus on Strategies
As well talk about later, math is all about problem solving using strategies. Sometimes,
there’s only one way to solve problem, but many times there are multiple avenues to the
answer. When teaching, model several strategies for understanding and exploring a
concept, encourage students to apply high level skills when given problems and focus
on the thought process involved in the solution. Although math usually only has one
right answer, being able to reason through the steps to find the answer is the most
important part of being a successful math students.
TEACHING MATH STRATEGIES

The building blocks of mathematics start early on, when learning the basic skills. The
key to teaching basic math skills that students can apply and remember for future
instruction is to use several teaching strategies.
Repetition
A simple strategy teachers can use to improve math skills is repetition. By repeating and
reviewing previous formulas, lessons, and information, students are better able to
comprehend concepts at a faster rate.
According to Professor W. STEPHENE WILSON from John Hopkins University, the core
concepts of basic math must be mastered before students are able to move into a more
advanced study. Repetition is a simple tool that makes it easier for students to master
the concept without wasting time. According to the University of Minnesota, daily re-
looping or reviews will bring the previous lesson back into the spotlight and allow
teachers to build on those previous skills.
Timed testing
When teachers are moving beyond the simple concepts of numbers into addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division, it is important to incorporate timed tests that
review the previous class or several classes.
Taking a short test and then grading the test in class will help teachers assess student
understanding. When the test shows that students are answering more questions
correctly within the time period, teachers are able to determine that students have
mastered the basic skills.
Pair Work
Group work is a simple strategy that allows students to work and problem solve with a
buddy. When a teacher has provided the basic instruction, it’s helpful to split the class
into pairs or groups to work on problem.
Since the pairs are working as a team, the students can discuss the problems and work
together to solve issues. The goal of pair work is to teach the students critical thinking
skills that are necessary for future math problems and real life.
Manipulation Tools
The use of blocks, fruits, balls, or rather manipulation tools help students learn the
basics of place value, addition, subtraction, and other areas of basic math. According to
KATE NONESECH on the National Adult Learning Database of Canada, manipulation
tools help slow down then process solving so that students are able to fully understand
the information.
Manipulation tools make easier for student to learn and understand basic skills. These
are ideal when students to learn best through hands on experience and building, rather
than traditional lessons and repetition.
Math Games
Reinforcing the information learned in class is not always the easiest task for teachers,
but math games provide the opportunity to make the lesson interesting and encourage
students to remember the concepts.
Depending on the class size, computer availability, and the lesson being taught, games
can vary. Teachers can use computer games for the particular games to help students
learn the material.
Math skills are an important part of life. To offer students the most help, teachers need
to incorporate several strategies to give students the opportunity for future growth.
THE MATH CLASSROOM
1. Always teach on grade level -Instead of spending time teaching unfinished
learning that is not on grade level, try incorporating math concepts that are necessary
in the moment as a “sidebar” with students. Just because a student is not on grade
level for a particular topic does not mean that they cannot access grade-level content.
2. Give multiple mini-assessments-Instead of waiting until the end of a unit to assess
students, try giving mini-assessments to check for understanding throughout the unit.
There are multiple options for quick and easy assessments to see where your
students are.
3 .Learn (and accept) multiple methods of solving a problem-Instead of teaching
only one method for solving a problem, allow students a choice of multiple options to
complete the same problem. The ultimate goal in a math classroom is for students to
become mathematical thinkers, not replicators of their teacher

4. Work Collaboratively- Instead of being an isolated island in your own class,

work together with other teachers in your same grade or subject level. As
experts in the educational field continue to research and discover best
practices, they are realizing that collaboration with others is the best practice to
ensure student success. As teachers work together, lessons and assessment
become more aligned and engaging for students. The more students are
engaged and discussing mathematics, the more they are learning.

DIFFERENTIATED MATH LESSONS TO SUPPORT ALL LEARNERS

Differentiated Math Lessons

 Teachers can change student levels at any time.

 Groups of students can work on different math lessons at their own level.
 Teachers can assign the placement test to ensure each student is working at
their instructional level
 Teachers can assign math lessons that reinforce work covered in their classroom
program
Self-Paced Learning

 Step-by-step teaching videos provide support for all learners.

 A vast array of short, research-based activities improves understanding and
retention.
 With 24/7 access, students can complete lessons at school, the library or at
home.
 Students experience achievement and success in every lesson.

Motivational Program

 Rewards including golden acorns, games and avatar items that really keep
students motivated.
 Students can easily track their progress as they earn new pets and travel through
a series of maps.
 Students must pass each end-of-map quiz to make progress.
 Engaged students are more motivated to keep learning.

Teacher Tools and Lesson Plans

 Detailed teaching notes and four printable worksheets are available for every
lesson.
 Reports are clear and easy to understand.
 A variety of apps can be used to reinforce and practice specific skills.
 Standards-based assessments for every standard in grades K–2. (Grade 3
coming soon)
 REFFERENCESS

https://achievethecore.org

https://mathseeds.com

https://study.com

https://education.cu-portland.edu

https://uk.sagepub.com