MathStuff

Hi All, We're probably all still learning each others' names at school at this point in the year, so here's one more "mathy" name activity. Kids love secret codes and patterns. I think we all do actually. This is a simple code, but it lends itself well to differentiating a lot of mathematical operations. Match every letter with its ordinal position in the alphabet––for example, A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, Z = 26. To get children started have them create a decoder chart where they list all the associated letters and numbers, A to Z, 1 to 26. Next have students write their names out and pair with the associated number. So, J-A-N-E would be 10-1-14-5. Now, they should get a blank index card (the clue card!) and write out incomplete equations that will yield the numbers they need to "spell" their names. Jane might use these: 5 + 5 =  100 - 99 = 7 + 7 =  9 - 4 =  This is where you can really differentiate. Students could use multiplication, ...

Hi All, Welcome back! With school starting one way or another in various parts of the country, I figured it was time again to bring back the math blog. No matter what's going on or how it's going on, I'm hoping this content will still be useful to you.  So, let's talk about names! When classes start, one of the first things both teachers and students must learn about each other are their names. A child's name is a very powerful and important thing. It's also a great springboard to learning. Kids are always interested in their own names. "Names Add Up" is an easy activity for K-2 (though older kids like it as well) that combines counting, addition, and money, as well as vowel and consonant identification. You'll need a pile of pennies and nickels. Explain to children that for this activity vowels will be worth a nickel and consonants will be worth a penny. Have children take the coins that correspond to the letters in their first names and...