General Interest Archives - Page 3 of 8

Estimation General Interest Interviews One-on-One Listening to Learn Mental Math Multiplication Number and Operations Numerical Reasoning

Two Students . . . Two Different Ways of Reasoning

On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, I posted the sixth in my Wednesday Twitter series of video clips from Listening to Learn math interviews. The response to this Tweet amazed me―it received over 100,000 impressions! I was appreciative of the many supportive and insightful replies. Read more.

Marilyn BurnsMay 11, 2021

Division General Interest Interviews One-on-One Mental Math Number and Operations Numerical Reasoning

What is 100 ÷ 3? Why We Ask and What We Learn

Asking students to solve problems mentally, without paper and pencil, is always revealing and often surprising. I thought that asking students to solve 100 ÷ 3 would be sort of a slam dunk. My, was I wrong!

Marilyn BurnsApril 8, 2021

General Interest

Five Twists on Tic-Tac-Toe

Tic-tac-toe is a game that has some advantages―it’s easy to learn, requires only paper and a pencil, and doesn’t take long to play. But the game has the disadvantage of getting boring pretty fast. Don’t give up on it. Try these variations, all of which give kids (even adults) a chance to think strategically in new ways.

Marilyn BurnsApril 9, 2020

Games General Interest Multiplication Number and Operations Numerical Reasoning

What’s the Longest Number String Possible?

I just learned about Factors and Multiples, a shelter-at-home game that’s engaging as solitaire and can be played as a two-person game either cooperatively or competitively. (I’ve played it both ways.) It’s intriguing for both adults and kids (as long as players know about factors and multiples of numbers up to 100). It’s a keeper.

Marilyn BurnsApril 3, 2020

Games General Interest Problem Solving

Race for 20―A Counting Game for All Ages

Looking for an easy-to-play game that requires only the ability to count to 20, but has a real mathematical kick? Here it is. Teach it to your kids at home or to your students online to play with someone at home. Read on for the rules and some tips, including how to tweak the game to keep kids interested and challenged.

Marilyn BurnsMarch 28, 2020

Games General Interest Problem Solving

Riddles That Rhyme (not entirely a math post)

Riddles are usually a hit with kids, and with many at home and sheltering in place (as I am), diversions can be helpful. When rummaging through my book shelves, I found a book that I wrote in 1981―The Hink Pink Book. I wrote it shortly after I first learned about Hink Pink riddles, and also about Hinky Pinky and Hinkety Pinkety riddles. I think these riddles are good for some language play for kids at home, with a little math thrown in.

Marilyn BurnsMarch 24, 2020

General Interest Mental Math Number and Operations Numerical Reasoning

What Are Good Math Questions to Ask Students?

Good Questions for Math Teaching is a Math Solutions book that has long been one of my favorites. It’s a resource that I dip into when I feel the need for something fresh. And it speaks directly to our current shelter-in-place coronavirus crisis as many of us look for ways to mathematically engage students online, children at home, or both. Here are samples to get you started. I’ll continue to post more ideas on Twitter (@mburnsmath).

Marilyn BurnsMarch 17, 2020

Assessment Division General Interest Interviews One-on-One Mental Math Numerical Reasoning Videos

What Was Jonah Thinking?

I’m often surprised by what I learn when I interview students. Watch this 46-second video clip of Jonah solving 100 ÷ 3. Then read how I used the clip in a lesson with a class of fifth graders, and also read the letters the students wrote to Jonah.

Marilyn BurnsFebruary 18, 2020

Games General Interest Math Menus Number and Operations Probability

One of My All Time Favorite Games

I’m a huge fan of math games, especially when they involve both strategic thinking and luck. And I’m always on the search for games that work with a span of grade levels. The Two-Dice Sums Game fits both. Learn about the game and read the letters of advice that 7th graders wrote to 2nd graders.

Marilyn BurnsDecember 9, 2019

Angle Measurement Books by Marilyn General Interest Geometry Multiplication Numerical Reasoning

Teaching about Angles―A Hands-On Approach

What am I doing on the floor? Teaching angles to fourth graders. Read about how instruction using Pattern Blocks and hinged mirrors, along with supporting number talks, can help students learn to understand and measure angles. Here I present a (sort of) photo essay to describe what actually occurred over the first three days of instruction. Ideas for continuing the instruction follow.

Marilyn BurnsApril 29, 2019

General Interest

Two Students . . . Two Different Ways of Reasoning

What is 100 ÷ 3? Why We Ask and What We Learn

Five Twists on Tic-Tac-Toe

What’s the Longest Number String Possible?

Race for 20―A Counting Game for All Ages

Riddles That Rhyme (not entirely a math post)

What Are Good Math Questions to Ask Students?

What Was Jonah Thinking?

One of My All Time Favorite Games

Teaching about Angles―A Hands-On Approach

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