Mathematics

These worksheets are for those students who struggle with the traditional multiplication algorithm. They require an alternate approach. Using the alternative approach often helps students who struggle, simply because the ones and tens place make more sense to the student.  If your traditional methods fail in 2 digit multiplication, try these worksheets with the alternative method. However, doing multiplication with this method also takes time and practice, be patient and the understanding will happen.

See also: all multiplilcation resources and worksheets.

I'm a complete advocate for using hands on math before moving to the written, symbolic form. Learning about fraction concepts  is no different.  Think about all the ways a child can find half of something: half of a chocolate bar, half of a glass of water, half of a box of candies, half of a circle, half of a square, half of a heart, half of a dozen eggs, to name a few.  Fractions are one of the most confusing concepts taught to early learners, take your time and begin with hands on activities before moving on to the worksheets to ensure understanding occurs.

Sales tax varies from state to state and country to country. Sometimes you just want a quick calculator to see what the sales tax is, especially if you're looking for a bargain. After all, even bargains require you to consider what the sales tax is to determine if in fact it's still a bargain. Here's that calculator, enter the price and the percentage and you'll get the total.  Or better yet, check out the states without sales tax.

Knowing what children are expected to learn in each grade  provides parents with a great opportunity to link learning at home. Whenever parents support their child's learning at hom, there is a greater opportunity for increased achievement.  Seize the opportunity and support your children whenever possible, check out some of the ideas here.

The 100th day of school is a very special event for young leaners. Teachers celebrate this day using a variety of fun math activities that include but are not limited to:

• How many things would you want 100 of? Wouldn't want 100 of?
• How many things in this classroom can you count 100 of?
• How many questions can you think of in 100 seconds that have an answer of 100?
• Count to 100 by 1, 2's, 5's, 10's etc.
• Make paper chains of 100, turn them into a necklace and let your teacher wear them.
• Make paper band hats and put 100 hearts or dots, crosses or squares on them.
• Walk 100 steps, measure how far that is.

Need I say more? The list is endless, if you have great activities to celebrate 100's Day, please share them.
See also:  100's Chart and 100's Chart activities.

This week, I had the opportunity to use Digitz with a few young learners. Remember Simon? The highly addictive memory game that focused on sequencing the color beeps? Everyone wanted to get in on the fun! Digitz is no different, with the exception that it allows for the committing of multiplication facts to memory! Whether Digitz is used in a classroom as a math station or at home to help with memorizing the facts, it's a fun approach and when math is fun, learning is easier, and the sound and light effects adds to the enthusiasm.  It's a great gift and it's available in Canada and the US.

See also:  Multiplication Resources

If you are taking the SATs for March, register early, you have until midnight on February 10th. Don't forget to check out the free question of the day, sample questions and free practice test.  Not sure how to study for the SATs, the College Board has what you need. For some additional review, the pre-algebra worksheets and the algebra worksheets are also great for SAT study.

See also:  SAT math resources from Test Prep Guide Kelly.

Mathematics and science educators and administrators from around the world will participate in the 24th Annual T3 International Conference.  Participants will learn, and explore the latest TI education technology and learn new ideas for the technology they have in their classroom.  There are hundreds of hands-on sessions and the presenters will offer new and effective ways to engage students and help them learn. Better yet, there will be a focus on project based learning with the Common Core Standards. Don't miss this opportunity, registration information is found here. It all happens on March 2-4, 2012 • Hyatt Regency Chicago • Chicago, IL.

Roman Numerals were part of the curriculum when I was in school. However, after looking through a variety of curricula, the concept of Roman numerals is nowhere to be found. No surprise, after all,  I'm sure the talking math heads made the right decision when they removed Roman numerals from the mandatory learning concepts. After all, the curriculum is daunting and some things just have to go. So, where does that leave Roman numerals? Seize the moment! When a child sees a clock, watch or calendar that makes reference to Roman numerals, take the opportunity to enlighten them about their value and the history. Here are a few helpful worksheets to support Roman numerals:

• Convert numbers to Roman numerals
• Convert Roman numerals to numbers
• Convert to and from Roman numerals

It has long been thought that there are gender differences in math ability. Boys get it, girls don't. However,  research is beginning to shed new light on some old sets of data. Girls might just have the same ability as boys do for learning mathematical concepts. When women have equity and are well educated, their children (both genders) succeed in math. So then, when a gender gap exists, it may well be that it is due to sociocultural factors that differ among countries. See Science Daily for the study that debunks the myths about gender gaps in math.

See also: Math Anxiety Be Gone!