This article examines the mathematical activity of five-year-old Liam to explore the difference between the mathematics games designed for children and the children's games that emerge through playful activity. We propose that this distinction is a salient one for teachers observing mathematical play for evidence of mathematical sense making.
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Children’s Games and Games for Children
Nat Banting and Chad Williams
Pattern-block frenzy
Katie L. Anderson
Teachers share success stories and ideas that stimulate thinking about the effective use of technology in K–grade 6 classrooms. This article describes a set of lessons where sixth graders use virtual pattern blocks to develop proportional reasoning. Students' work with the virtual manipulatives reveals a variety of creative solutions and promotes active engagement. The author suggests that technology is most effective when coupled with worthwhile mathematical tasks and rich classroom discussions.
A Super Way to Soak in Linear Measurement
Terri L. Kurz
After analyzing advertising claims regarding water shooters, students present their findings.
A smorgasbord of assessment options
Kathy A. Bacon
Presented with a variety of palatable, inquiry-based, creative learning choices in geometry, this teacher and her fifth graders found tremendous satisfaction in meeting target goals for reasoning skills and taking important “next steps” in learning.
