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...]
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...]
Dr. Cotter on Counting
September 11, 2018 by 4 Comments
Most people think of counting as the foundation of math. So we teach kids to memorize the long string of 100 counting words. Next, to count objects, we teach them to touch each block in turn while saying the next word in the string. After completing … [Read more...]
2018 Summer Game #12: Next Number
August 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment
The great thing about nephews is that they fill some of the room in your heart and in your schedule after your own boys are grown up and away from the nest. The great thing about math games is that they can be played absolutely anytime, … [Read more...]
2017 Summer Game #4: Bead Trading
June 7, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Do your children enjoy money? My kids do! They would always compare their stacks of one dollar bills after Christmas or birthdays and see who has more. I used their concept of dollar bills to introduce this next game. We called it "Bank", … [Read more...]
