The new Contexts for Learning Mathematics series by Catherine Fosnot and colleagues from Mathematics in the City and the Freudenthal Institute uses carefully crafted math situations to foster a deep conceptual understanding of essential mathematical ideas, strategies, and models.
Investigating Number Sense, Addition, and Subtraction (K–3) is the first level in the Contexts for Learning Mathematics series. In this package eight classroom-tested units foster a deep conceptual understanding of fundamental topics such as place value, compensation and equivalence, addition and subtraction on the open number line, and the efficient use of five- and ten-structures. Eight read-aloud books (15” x 12”) use rich imaginable contexts—realistic and fictional—to set the stage for learning. Three resource guides containing strings of related games and minilessons support instruction throughout the year and are ideal for differentiating instruction. An overview book and CD-ROM provides professional support with print and video resources for your math workshop.
The series’ 18 classroom-tested units are organized into three age-appropriate packages.
- Investigating Number Sense, Addition, and Subtraction (Grades K–3) supports the development of such fundamental topics as place value, compensation and equivalence, addition and subtraction on the open number line, and the efficient use of five- and ten-structures.
- Investigating Multiplication and Division (Grades 3–5) explores with increasing sophistication big ideas in multiplication and division including systematic factoring, the distributive, associative, and commutative properties as well as their use in computation.
- Investigating Fractions, Decimals, and Percents (Grades 4–6) examines fundamental topics such as equivalence of fractions, how to multiply and divide with fractions, proportional reasoning, rates, and the ordering of decimals.
Whether used as supplemental units or as replacement units, Contexts for Learning Mathematics provides you with the tools you need to engage all of your students in the study of mathematics. tools.
To learn more about Contexts for Learning Mathematics, please visit http://www.contextsforlearning.com.