The Math Learning Center Blog

After using Bridges in Mathematics K-5 for a number of years, The Hamlin School of San Francisco, California decided to transition to Bridges Second Edition. Recently I visited this independent K-8 school for girls founded in 1863. Photo courtesy of The Hamlin School. My host Marisa Bellingrath, assistant head of school, provided a tour as well as an opportunity to visit several classrooms. I was...

Recently I read an ASCD article about fostering creativity that described a technique called visual thinking strategies or VTS. Initially created to explore aesthetic development in children, VTS is a teaching method centered on open-ended yet highly-structured discussions of visual art. It engages students in an enriching experience that not only builds creativity but also develops critical...

Number Pieces helps students develop a deeper understanding of place value while building their computational skills with multi-digit numbers. Young learners can represent multi-digit numbers, regroup, add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Number Pieces also gives them a drawing tool to label representations and show their understanding. Number Pieces is the third app in the growing MLC collection...

Bridges in Mathematics second edition, is a comprehensive K–5 mathematics curriculum that equips teachers to fully implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in a manner that is rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners. The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve...

Information Age Education is a nonprofit project of Dr. Dave Moursund, a lifelong contributor to technology in education and founding MLC board member. The organization’s goal to improve education is reflected in a number of initiatives including: Offering free books for download Publishing a newsletter twice a month Authoring and hosting a blog Creating a Wiki, IAE-pedia Many of the featured...

On November 2nd combined downloads of the Geoboard and Number Rack apps from MLC exceeded 50,000, many from around the globe. In addition, thousands of users have accessed the web versions of these virtual manipulatives. "We're gratified that these online learning tools have been so well received." said Dan Raguse, Executive Director. "We look forward to adding to the collection and plan to launch...

The Number Rack, or Rekenrek, was designed to support the natural mathematical development of children and specifically to help them generate a variety of addition and subtraction strategies. Our free activity book, Using the Rekenrek as a Visual Model for Strategic Reasoning in Mathematics, now includes correlations to the Common Core State Standards for all 10 activities. View more Number Rack...

The Math Learning Center announces the second edition of Bridges in Mathematics K-5 . Written specifically for the Common Core State Standards, the new edition includes several new visual models such as the Number Line and the Number Rack (also known as the Rekenrek). Other features include the Bridges Educator site, an online portal for reference and support. Number Corner has been updated in...

The Math and the Mind's Eye series has been correlated to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Content. In addition to an overall map of how the series meets CCSSM, a correlations document was created for each of the 14 units. "Math and the Mind's Eye materials were developed to focus on the power of visual thinking which has been central to our approach for 30 years. We believe these...