Mathematical Practice Standard #2 says: Reason Abstractly and Quantitatively. Basically this means that we can use math in a Contextualized or Decontextualized ways.
- Contextualized= I can take numbers and put them into real world context
- Decontextualized= I can take numbers out of context and work mathematically with them
We want students to:
- Create an understanding of the representation of the problem solved
- Consider the units involved
- Attend to the meaning of quantities
- Use properties to help solve problems
I find that by helping students create a story problem from a detailed picture they are able to take numbers and put them into words/real world context. A great resource to help young learners understand and apply this strategy is the book called:
Math Talk by Char Forsten & Torri Richards ($21.95 at Crystal Springs Books)
http://www.crystalspringsbooks.com/math-talk-prek-1.html?filter=SL550219
Using fanciful illustrations of nursery rhymes and thematic scenes, you will be able to:
- engage young children in fun but focused discussions;
- inspire them to create and share their own math stories;
- establish home-school connections so children can “talk math” with parents and siblings;
- differentiate instruction and scaffold content for diverse learners.
The book includes 16 full-color illustrations; these plus 4 bonus pieces are also available as Web downloads. Sure to capture young imaginations!
