Embedded Files
Math Drawings
Math Drawings
Visual representations, simple drawings relavent only to the problem being solved, can be done quickly and are meant to be helpful. These are meant to be math drawings. Showing WHY things work. HOW you got the answer you got.
Other examples are charts, scale drawings, pictures, graphs and more.
ASK ???
“Why do you think it is true?”
“Does anyone think the answer is different, and why do you think so?”
Characteristics of Good Explanations in Math
Characteristics of Good Explanations in Math
1. The explanation is factually correct, or nearly so, with only minor, inconsequential flaws.
2. The explanation addresses the specific question or problem that was posed. It is focused, detailed, and precise. Key points are emphasized. There are no irrelevant or distracting points.
3. The explanation is clear, convincing, and logical. A clear and convincing explanation is characterized by the following:
a. The explanation could be used to teach another (college) student, possibly even
one who is not in the class.
b. The explanation could be used to convince a skeptic.
c. The explanation does not require the reader to make a leap of faith.
d. If applicable, supporting math drawings, diagrams, and equations are used appropriately and as needed.
e. The explanation is coherent.
f. Clear, complete sentences are used.
(Beckman, 2022).
Beckmann, S. (2022). Mathematics for elementary and middle school teachers: With activities (6th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.
Education.com is an amazing website for teachers for muiltiple subjects including math. You may search by grade and subdivisions of your topic or common core standards. There are entire lesson plans or individual worksheets to aid your lesson plan. Above is an example of a 1st-2nd grade worksheet.
“Educational Games, Worksheets, and More for Kids.” Education.Com | #1 Educational Site for Pre-K to 8th Grade, www.education.com/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
IXL is a website primarily used for language arts and mathematics. As an educator you have the ability to set up a profile for your students personalized by grade and subcatagorized to fit their needs. Students can work individually through tasks as there is instant feedback. Above are Kindergarten examples for counting to 3.
“IXL: Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish.” IXL Learning, www.ixl.com/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
As a teacher explaining why mathematics works the way it does is an important step in the process of learning. "The exercise of explaining is valuable because it provides an opportunity to learn more, to uncover an error, or to clear up a misconception" (Beckman, 2022). As a teacher presetting a lesson, explaining the lesson in a clear, concise manner and routinly following up will be a primary goal. Explaining a problem in more than one way until a student makes a connection is another important piece of the puzzle.
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