
When I think of Common Core math, I’m reminded of a conversation I had with a teammate during planning. Our school system had just begun the transition to Common Core, using Scott Foresman’s “Investigations” series as a core curriculum. We were knee-deep in base ten blocks, number lines, and hundreds boards. She said,

Maybe we even sang a cute song …

Some students do understand, but many don’t know what they’re doing – they’re just following the steps.
Just like we know that some kids are stronger auditory or visual learners, and most are kinesthetic – kids don’t all solve math problems the same way. They need a variety of different strategies that they “get” without having to memorize a series of steps. Check out some of those options (there are SO many more than just the good ‘ole number line).






For a summary of these strategies that you can send home to parents, please download this freebie or check out this presentation.
Of course, we’re living in the digital age. While we practice and practice so that we can use mental math and solve problems flexibly and accurately, it’s much more likely that our students will walk up to the cashier with the memory of their elementary teachers’ words in their heads and …
Ms. BBZ is currently teaching second grade in Georgia, after teaching a Gifted and Talented immersion class at a Title I magnet school in North Carolina for several years. Her passions are conceptual math, integrated learning, and character education for students. You can find her online at her blog, as well as at her Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Even when swiping their debit cards, students (who will then be adults) will need to be able to estimate the total in their carts and subtract from their available balance to make sure they have enough money. These skills WILL still be important, even in the digital age!
Great information! Thanks for sharing!
Karen – I fully agree. Math skills aren't ever going to be outdated. That's why it's so important to make our instruction as effective as possible.
Great post! We spend way to much time "teaching" the traditional algorithm and making kids practice it over and over. Our time is much better spent looking at a variety of strategies and asking kids to solve these problems without pencil/paper. It is amazing to see all of the strategies kids invent on their own. It is never to late to go back and let your kids try other things!
Tara
The Math Maniac
Wow! What a great post. Thank you for the ideas in teaching this concept…My son is just about at this point.
good