Mathematics educators and researchers have advocated for the use of manipulatives to teach mathematics for decades. The purpose of this article is to provide illustrative uses of a readily available manipulative rather than a complete list. From an Australian perspective, Pop-it fidget toys can be used across the mathematics curriculum. This paper…

In this article, the authors present a brief description of the different views of the "nature of mathematics" (NOM), share a five-point view of NOM that undergirds the teaching profession's guiding documents, and describe ways of providing opportunities for teachers and students to have conversations in the classroom that build…

Elementary school mathematics is increasingly recognized for its crucial role in developing the foundational skills and understandings for algebra. In this article, the author uses a lesson to introduce the concept of "rates"--comparing two different types and units of measure--and how to graph them. Described is the lesson and shared…

In this article, authors Jordan T. Hede and Jonathan D. Bostic present a classroom activity that challenges upper elementary students' understanding of area beyond a memorized formula and explores the meaning behind students using A = l × w to solve rectangular area problems. This activity will deepen students' understanding of the area…

Gain a new perspective on the sharing of erroneous solutions in classroom discussions. Based on their research in grades four and six, the authors reveal how student-to-student correction of errors promotes mathematical reasoning and understanding. Tips for teachers include strategies for using students' errors to encourage reasoning during…

In the rural community of Santa Avelina in the Highlands of Guatemala, it indeed takes a village to develop children's mathematical understanding through a partnership among school, home, and community. Connections to real-life applications, such as the planting and growing of corn, shape the learning experiences of these children so that they…

Tracy Logan and Tom Lowrie argue that while little attention is given to visual imagery and spatial reasoning within the Australian Curriculum, a significant proportion of National Assessment Program--Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tasks require high levels of visuospatial reasoning. This article includes teaching ideas to promote visuospatial…

Teachers who participated in a recent summer institute focused on implementing the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM). Throughout the summer institute, teachers had many in-depth discussions about the meanings they attributed to the Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs). In this article, the authors share some of the…

Statistical literacy is essential in everyone's personal lives as consumers, citizens, and professionals. To make informed life and professional decisions, students are required to read, understand, and interpret vast amounts of information, much of which is quantitative. To develop statistical literacy so students are able to make sense of…

Anne Roche and Doug Clarke discuss the importance of developing students' persistence in relation to problem solving during the use of challenging tasks. They provide a useful list of strategies that teachers can use to encourage persistence amongst their students.

"Scratch" is a media-rich digital environment that utilises a building block command structure to manipulate graphic, audio, and video aspects. It incorporates elements of Logo including "tinkerability" in the programming process. In "Scratch" students use geometric and measurement concepts such as coordinates, angle,…

"The Zeroing in on Number and Operations" series, which aligns with the Common Core State Standards and the NCTM Sandards and Focal Points, features easy-to-use tools for teaching key concepts in number and operations and for addressing common misconceptions. Sharing the insights they've gained through decades of mathematics teaching and research,…

Prior research has established that teachers' use of curriculum materials is affected by a range of factors, such as teachers' conceptions of mathematics teaching, and the nature and extent of their teaching experience. What is less clear, and far less examined, in prior research is the role that the teacher guide (TG) may play in mediating the…

This article describes the use of a case report, Multiplication as original sin (Corwin, R. B. (1989). "Multiplication as original sin." "Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 8", 223-225), as an assignment in a mathematics course for preservice elementary teachers. In this case study, Corwin described her experience as a 6th grader when she revealed…

This article describes one way to introduce fraction, decimal, and percent equivalents by linking student-created Op Art with examples of twentieth-century abstract painting. (Contains 7 figures.)