7 Effective Strategies for Teaching

Elementary Math
Make it hands-on
Elementary math can be difficult because it involves learning new,
abstract concepts that can be tricky for children to visualize.

Try to imagine what it's like for a five-year-old to see an addition

problem for the very first time. Since it's a totally new concept to
them, it can be hard for them to visualize a scenario where one
quantity is added to another.

Manipulatives are hands-on tools that make math a lot easier for young
children to understand. Tools like Lego, clay, and wooden blocks can
all be used in the classroom to demonstrate how math ideas work.

For example, Lego is a great way to demonstrate number building,

operations, fractions, sorting, patterns, 3D shapes, and more.

2. Use visuals and images

While students will come across countless graphs and visuals in their
math textbooks, research shows this isn't the only place they should
be utilized.

According to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the

most powerful way to use graphics in elementary math is in
conjunction with specific practice or guidance, either from a teacher
or another classroom tool such as Mathseeds.
The Mathseeds online math program uses colorful visuals, graphics, and catchy songs to clearly
demonstrate elementary math concepts in a fun and engaging way. Students can revisit lessons until
they fully understand each topic. Free trial.

3. Find opportunities to differentiate learning

It's important that students feel comfortable and are given the
opportunity to learn new math ideas at their own pace, without feeling
rushed. But while the idea that 'given enough time, every student will
learn' is nothing new, it's easier said than done.

Mastery learning is about giving students as much time as they need

to grasp a specific skill or concept. It involves varying the time you
give each student to succeed.

Technology-based classroom tools offer a powerful way to

differentiate learning while teaching elementary math, which is an
effective way to help students in mixed-ability classrooms to
succeed. Learn more here.
4. Ask students to explain their ideas
Have you ever noticed how much more confident you feel about a
concept after explaining it to someone else?

Meta-cognition is the process of thinking about your options, choices,

and results, and it has a big impact on the way students learn.

Before assigning a math problem, ask students to brainstorm problem-

solving strategies they can use. Encourage students to work together
to suggest different strategies in a respectful way.

This process can be carried out at every stage of problem solving

when teaching elementary math. Once students have offered an
answer, ask them to verbalize step-by-step how they got that answer.

5. Incorporate storytelling to make connections to

real-world scenarios
When it comes to igniting the interest of young minds, not much comes
close to a good story.

Incorporate story problems into your classroom lessons allow students

to see how certain math concepts can apply to real life. Story
problems are also a good way to help students understand how to use
math in everyday life, and see the relevance of math.
The Mathseeds online math program uses animated story problems to help students apply new math
skills to real-world situations. Free trial.

Mathseeds provides colorful end-of-lesson books as part of its online

program. Many of these are designed so students read the problem,
work through it independently, and then turn to the next page to see
the solution.

6. Show and tell new concepts

Elementary math teachers should normally begin each lesson with a
'show and tell.' Telling is the process of sharing information and
knowledge with students, while showing involves modeling how to do
something.

These days, teachers can really kick 'show and tell' up a notch with an
interactive whiteboard, using animations, and videos to clearly show
and tell specific math concepts in an engaging and interesting way.
7. Let your students regularly know how they're
doing
Feedback is an important part of teaching elementary math and
improving students' results.

Let your students know how they have performed on a specific task,
along with helpful ways that they can further improve and extend their
skills.

Remember, feedback is different to praise. Focus your feedback on the

task itself (rather than the student) and make sure they have a clear
understanding of what they did well and how they can improve next
time. In Carol Dweck's research around what's known as the 'growth
mindset', she writes:

“The growth mindset was intended to help close achievement gaps, not hide them. It is about
telling the truth about a student's current achievement and then, together, doing something about
it, helping him or her become smarter.”