Math Calculations Strategies

• Critical Elements - Teach critical elements. As you teach the critical elements, be sure that the students have a list of what these are to refer to as they move on and complete problems in the area discussed.

a. An example would be a chart of the critical words to look for in a word probem or clue words that indicate the mathematical operations. These words will assist the student in completing the problem. “How many more “would indicate addition. “How much less” would indicate subtraction, etc.
b. Words that signal addition include together, altogether, sum, in all, both, gained, received, total, won and saved.
c. Words that signal subtraction include difference between, from, left, how many (more or less), how much (taller, farther, heavier), withdrawal, spend, loss, remain, more.

• Algorithms - Explore several algorithms for calculations, including student-invented strategies. While most students will adopt the conventional approaches, exploring alternatives aides in understanding and memory.
• STAR Modified - STAR adapted from Strategic Math Series by Mercer and Miller, 1991.

Six elements used in each lesson:
a. Provide an advance organizer – identify the new skill and provide a rationale for learning
b. Describe and model
c. Conduct guided practice
d. Conduct independent practice
e. Give post test
f. Provide feedback (positive and corrective)