Have you ever wondered how to teach nothing? I’m not talking about taking a break from formal teaching over the summer – although maybe you’re doing that, too! I’m talking about the number zero. The concept of zero can be a struggle for small … [Read more...]
2019 Summer Game #3: Quotient and Remainder
June 11, 2019 by 2 Comments
Question: How do you divide 14 potatoes between 4 people? Answer: Mash them. Hahahaha! Most children do not enjoy solving division problems – especially problems with remainders! However, the Quotient and Remainder game found in the Math Card … [Read more...]
Dr. Cotter and Geometry
May 7, 2019 by 4 Comments
For years geometry was not considered a topic that primary students could or should study, even though they are surrounded by geometrical shapes. I had no geometry in school until 10th grade. Sometimes teacher education programs provide little … [Read more...]
Dr. Cotter on RightStart and Montessori
April 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment
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, Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), an Italian physician and educator, and the Montessori method of education she … [Read more...]
Dr. Cotter on Technology
April 2, 2019 by Leave a Comment
When you hear the word technology, you probably think of computers or tablets. But calculators have become an essential electronic tool for performing more complicated arithmetic. People had been seeking simpler ways to perform calculations for … [Read more...]
Dr. Cotter on Language
March 12, 2019 by Leave a Comment
In mathematics we can’t do much without using language. Even though the mathematician may write a mass of equations, she needs words to explain their meaning. Good math instruction requires careful attention to the terms used. We don’t want students … [Read more...]
