I am a quilt designer. I’ve made over 250 quilts in my lifetime, 98% of my own design. I’m currently working on my sixth quilt from someone else’s pattern. I have the directions in front of me as I’m approaching on the final steps of Bonnie … [Read more...] about Quilting and the Cotter Abacus
AL Abacus
Dr. Cotter’s Abacuses
How many different abacuses do you think Dr. Cotter has? Here's a clue.... Dr. Cotter is holding one of her first abacuses: a Japanese abacus, purchased by a friend who had visited Japan. She became so efficient using this abacus that she was … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter’s Abacuses
Dr. Cotter on RightStart and Montessori
Most people have heard of Montessori, but often they are not sure what it’s all about. The word Montessori refers both to a person and a method of education. Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician and educator. She is also the … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on RightStart and Montessori
Dr. Cotter on Flashcards
Flash cards are not a good way to drill the facts. Many adults, because they could not respond fast enough to flash cards or time tests as a child, became convinced that they have no math “ability.” These people are the ones with math anxiety – … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Flashcards
Dr. Cotter on Manipulatives
When teaching math to a child, there are three important questions to consider: Are manipulatives necessary for teaching math? What is the purpose of manipulatives? Are some manipulatives better than others? First of all, let's define … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Manipulatives
2023 Summer Game #10: Mental Addition
One of the many aspects that drew me to RightStart™ Math was the idea of my children learning how to do mental math. Growing up, the whole idea of mental math was fascinating to me, but it was not encouraged. And, to be honest, I really doubted my … [Read more...] about 2023 Summer Game #10: Mental Addition
