Hands-on Math

About the Book

Hands-On Math: Learning Numeration Through Manipulative Activities is based on the ancient Chinese proverb, "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." The use of manipulatives is the key to enabling students to understand abstract mathematical concepts. With the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Standards (NCTM) serving as a model for what should be occurring in mathematics classrooms, manipulatives are now essential. Learning how to use manipulatives in the classroom, however is challenging. If the manipulatives are not presented in the correct manner, they may serve to confuse the student rather than enhance learning.

This essential workbook provides the teacher with a realistic approach to teaching numeration with manipulatives. Activities that focus on numeration from one to one hundred billion, provide the core of this book. Numeration is a key foundational concept in developing number sense. Students will be actively engaged as they use number tiles, unifix cubes, dominoes, dice, beans, chips, trading boards, graph paper, and a variety of skill building games and activities. The author's unique method of rounding with the "keeper of the secret" is included.

For the time-conscious teacher, this book is a must. Get ready for math to become a favorite subject!

About the Author

Dr. Kathleen Fletcher Bacer is currently a professor and creator/director of Azusa Pacific University's Online Master of Arts in Educational Technology Program. Her expertise stems from 19 years of K-8 classroom teaching and training teachers in classroom management and manipulative math techniques. Daughter of a retired innovative science teacher and mother of 3 daughters & "nana" of a granddaughter, her teaching models a belief that "critical to any teaching/learning process is the ability to effectively connect with the learner enabling them to construct a personal educational experience." As a mathematics teacher nominee of the year (1984), Dodger Education Hero Award (1991), Good Apple Award (1993), Teacher of the Year (1995-1996), and in the Who's Who Among Americas Teachers (2004-08), she is known for her innovative and creative techniques.