For years geometry was not considered a topic that primary students could or should study, even though they are surrounded by geometrical shapes. Some second graders I worked with didn’t consider their geometry work to be math, until they saw numbers … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter and Geometry
RightStart Math
Dr. Cotter on Helping Teach Math
There are ways a grandparent, family member, or friend can help a child with math. Here's a list of seven things that will help teach math to your favorite young person. 1. Value math and show a positive attitude toward math. Sadly, about 50% of … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Helping Teach Math
Dr. Cotter on Development
The terms development or developmentally appropriate are frequently used, but finding good definitions is difficult. A dictionary defines develop as growing and becoming more mature or advanced. We see physical development in the young child. We know … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Development
Dr. Cotter on Technology
People had been seeking simpler ways to perform calculations for centuries. Engineers, until the 1960s, used slide rules, a hand-operated mechanical calculator. It is one of the simplest analog computers which could perform multiplication, division, … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Technology
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
RightStart™ Manipulatives
What’s so special about the manipulatives used for the RightStart™ Mathematics program? Let’s run through the list. NOT AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE: Cotter AL Abacus: This abacus has 100 beads and is grouped in 5s and 10s using color. It is different from … [Read more...] about RightStart™ Manipulatives