Teaching Mathematics to Elementary School Students Using a Variety of Tools

Abstract

This article is based on a first-year, third-grade teacher’s attempt to improve instructional strategies for teaching mathematics in an inner city elementary school. Review of the literature suggested a variety of methods for teaching mathematical concepts to children in grades K-5.  The researcher found that carefully-planned units that include group work, intervention groups, parental involvement, entertainment elements, and explicit instruction increase students’ curiosity, enjoyment, and success in learning mathematics.