Monthly Math News Across the District December, 2016 Number Sense

Marilyn Burns, a math educator for over 40 years and author, describes students with a strong number sense in the following way: “[They] can think and reason flexibly with numbers, use numbers to solve problems, spot unreasonable answers, understand how numbers can be taken apart and put together in different ways, see connections among operations, figure mentally, and make reasonable estimates.” Number sense is important because it encourages students to think flexibly and promotes confidence with numbers.

Checklist for a Numerically Powerful Child

*Develops meaning for numbers and operations.

Students must understand what the values actually mean in the mathematical situation and how they connect to real life situations.

* Looks for relationships among numbers & operations. Students are able to decompose number in a variety of ways. For example(2+6=8, 2+4+2=8, 8-6=2)

* Understands computation strategies and uses them appropriately and efficiently.

Students apply formal rules and procedures with an understanding of why the standard algorithms is appropriate. Students develop accuracy and precision with their answers.

Suggested Titles to Enhance Number Sense A Place for Zero: A Math Adventure by Angeline Sparagna Lopresti

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Full House: An Invitation to Fractions by Dayle Ann Dodds Amanda Bean’s Amazing Dream by Cindy Neuschwander Once Upon a Dime:A Math Adventure by Nancy Kelly Allen The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns Elevator Magic by Stuart J. Murphy Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong Midnight Fright by Kathryn Heling Lemonade for Sale by Stuart J. Murphy Even Steven and Odd Todd by Kathryn Cristaldi

Family Math Discussion Topic SHOW ME THE VALUE! Take any number and then see how many different ways you and your family can show the value of the number. For example, using different combinations to build the number with place value blocks or using different math operations to create numerous equations that equal the value you selected.

* Makes sense of numerical and quantitative

situations. Students seek out relationships within numbers that make sense in the context of real life, while incorporating a flexibility to apply various strategies.

Adapted from Charles & Lobato(2000) Build Number Sense Online with Greg Tang "MATH CAN BE ENJOYABLE IF IT JUST MAKES SENSE" "IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT TEACHING MATH SKILLS ... IT'S ABOUT INSPIRING KIDS TO LEARN AND TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THEIR OWN THINKING."

http://gregtangmath.com/index