Classroom characters coach students to Success

• Published in: Teaching children mathematics 2010-02, Vol.16 (6), p.342-349
• Main Authors: Edwards, Sharon A., Maloy, Robert W., Anderson, Gordon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Children; Childrens Literature; Computers; Creative Writing; Educational activities; Elementary education; Elementary School Students; Grade 4; Instructional design; Learning; Massachusetts; Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System; Mathematical Concepts; Mathematical knowledge; Mathematical problems; Mathematics; Mathematics Achievement; Mathematics education; Mathematics Instruction; Partnerships in Education; Problem Solving; Teaching Methods; Word problems
• ISSN: 1073-5836; 2327-0780
• DOI: 10.5951/TCM.16.6.0342

Problem solving, introduced in every grade and practiced throughout elementary school, is an essential foundation on which students build their understanding of mathematical ideas, operations, and relationships. This article discusses 1-2-3 Time, an instructional mode that promotes multimodal math learning in ways that engage and sustain students' interest through its mix of activities and flexible time allotment. Using 1-2-3 Time instructional mode to teach mathematical problem solving to elementary school students, teachers integrate computer technology, children's literature, board games, and writing into their daily teaching. The 1-2-3 Time instructional mode combines direct teaching, interactive games, and independent student learning activities to promote problem solving at the elementary school level. Teachers have time for direct instruction with smaller-sized homogeneous or heterogeneous student groups; students have opportunities to work independently, learn with computers, and present their creative writing to classmates. Problem-solving coaches, math learning games, and reading and writing activities are also discussed. (Contains 2 figures.)