Your mathematician’s strategy toolbox includes:

• Do I know a similar problem?
• Guess, check and improve
• Try a simpler problem
• Write an equation
• Make a list or table
• Work backwards
• Act it out
• Draw a picture or graph
• Make a model
• Look for a pattern
• Try all possibilities
• Seek an exception
• Break the problem into smaller parts
• and ……………………….

If one way doesn’t work I just start again another way.

For more tips on Working Mathematically: The Process go to the Maths 300 webpage.

How to read and respond to a word based maths problem:

• make your prediction
• list and work through the things you need to clarify such as words , phrases or concepts (include relevant facts and details)
• identify the the BIG question
• decide how you are going to go about solving the problem (include the strategy/ies from the Mathematician’s Toolbox you use
• summarise the process you just went through, remember to word it so you include the initial question with your answer

Maths Share Starters

When it comes to maths,  I find it difficult to………

The most important part of solving a maths problem is………

If maths could be a colour it would be………

because………

Maths makes me feel………

 

In today’s maths activity I discovered………

I’m still wondering………

 

Share any new mathematical words you have learned.

What are the big ideas you learned in today’s activity.

When I get stuck solving a maths problem I can………

 

My best kept secret about maths is………

When I think of maths, I think………

Share what you think a mathematician does.

Jenny Eather’s maths sites:

• This site is an interactive, animated maths dictionary for kids with over 600 common math terms explained in simple language. It includes a glossary withmath definitions, examples and practice interactives.

• SkillsWise Although this site was setup for adults it has some very helpful activities for children that can reinforce areas covered in the classroom. The site has two main sections: WORDS and NUMBERS. Under NUMBERS there are sections on whole number, measuring/shape/space, fraction/decimal/percentage and handling data.

• Mister Teacher Mini-movies
• Mister teacher Student Activities
• National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
• Purplemaths Lessons (How do you really do this stuff?)
• Math Forum: Ask Dr. Math
• Math goodies (Mrs Glosser’s Tutorials, Worksheets, Games and Puzzles)
• Math games
• Cool Math for Kids.com
• Interactive Math-a-rama game site
• Funbrain Math Arcade
• Math Games on Funbrain
• King’s List of On-line Math Activities
• Fact Monster (Use this mainly for math, but all subjects are represented)

Online maths study tools:

• Personal tutor videos The Glencoe Personal Tutor presents a teacher explaining a step-by-step solution to a problem.
• Self check quiz Self-Check Quizzes randomly generates a self-grading quiz. Hints are available if you need extra help.
• Maths webquests Each WebQuest walks you step-by-step through a long-term project using the Web.