Teaching Children Mathematics

Mathematical processes are the grounding principles that content area learning depends on. They are what students use to solve problems. There are five areas of mathematical processes:

1. Problem Solving
2. Reading and Proof
3. Communication
4. Representation
5. Connections

Each area must be addressed when teaching children mathematics. These are the processes that guide how math is taught and learned.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is when students translate words and situations into mathematical terms. They begin to apply mathematical thinking to real-life situations. Problem solving connects students' lives and interests to math. Students must be taught a range of strategies (Guess and Check, Make A Table, etc.) for solving problems and be taught how determine is results do not make sense.

Reasoning and Proof

This is the shift from rote memorization to application, analysis and evaluation of the rules of mathematics. Reasoning involves looking at patterns of data, making generalizations and knowing how to evaluate. Students use their problem solving skills to reason out answers and prove them. Teachers support this by always asking, "Why did that happen?" , "How do you know?" and "Explain your reasoning."

Communication

This is critical for teaching children mathematics. Students must learn how to effectively communicate with others about their mathematical thinking. They learn how to share ideas by clarifying, organizing and reflecting on their own understanding. When teachers ask students to present their ideas to others or write about their thinking, they are supporting this.

Representation

Being able to effectively represent mathematical ideas is critical. This could be through symbols (letters, numbers, equations) or through visual/physical means (graphs, objects and charts). This aids in making abstract concepts concrete.

Connections

We need out students to make connections between math skills and concepts with the outside world. How is math relevant to daily living? When teachers link math to real-life applications, we are validating the mathematical experience for our students.

To read more about Teaching Children Mathematics, visit Primary Education Oasis.com.