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May20

How to Subtract Polynomials with Help from Algebra Tiles

We are going to dedicate this entry to working with manipulative materials known as algebra tiles. Although you may have a good idea of this topic, it is always good to go back and refresh your memory – we recommend this post. Are you ready? Well, let’s go! How to Subtract Polynomials Our goal is going […]

May13

Smartick Logic Exercises with Operators

In today’s post, we are going to practice some Smartick logic exercises that parents ask us about fairly often: Operator exercises. They are exercises that, at first glance, look complicated but once you understand them you see that they can become a game for children! They form part of the logic exercises that stimulate mathematical talent intent […]

May09

Problem Based Learning (PBL)

“The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and woman who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.” – Jean Piaget Within a sociocultural and constructivist framework, Vygotsky coined the term “Zone of Proximal Development” to explain the relationship between development and learning referencing “the distance […]

May06

Using Money to Help Learn Decimal Numbers

Today’s post deals with the day to day use of decimal numbers using money as an example (and to help you better understand it). We are going to start with the basics, reviewing what decimal numbers are and how to read and write them. You can use these resources to refresh your memory: What are […]

Apr29

Multiplication of Fractions with an Area Model

In today’s post, we are going to see how to use an area model to solve a multiplication problem with fractions. This methodological strategy is very effective to show our students an operation that is very complicated to visualize. Teachers usually make an effort to support their explanations with manipulatives and visuals, because if they […]

Apr22

How to Calculate the Least Common Multiple Using a 100 Square

In a previous post, we learned what a 100 square was and how to visualize and know the multiples of a number on it. If you have not read the post I would recommend that you do so before continuing, and if you don’t know what the least common multiple is, check out this post. […]

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Apr08

The Concept of Length and How It’s Different from Distance

In today’s post, we will be talking about the magnitude of length and its difference to distance, as well as how both concepts are integrated into knowledge at young ages. Before anything, we should ask ourselves if we really know the meaning of these concepts: What is a magnitude? What is the magnitude length? What […]

Apr01

Teaching Principles and Learning Phases of Singapore Math

In this post, we will return to the topic of Singapore math and analyze the curriculum. We will describe the three teaching principles used and the three learning phases that occur in their classrooms. Teaching Principles of Singapore Math Teaching is for learning, learning is for comprehension, comprehension is for reasoning, application, and finally, to […]

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Mar25

Roman Numerals: Do You Know How to Add Them?

In this entry, we are going to learn to complete operations with Roman numerals. It is important to refresh our knowledge about these numbers before we begin. Are you ready? Let’s continue… The Roman numeral system is very different from the decimal system that we use on a daily basis. Look closely at the numbers […]

Mar18

Subtraction with Borrowing: An Explanation of Two Different Algorithms

The pedagogical and parents customer service team at Smartick often receive questions from parents whose children have said they are confused because at school they learn subtraction one way and Smartick teaches them another. At Smartick we feel that the use of one algorithm or another doesn’t matter, what’s important is that it is explained […]

Mar11

Tens and the Decimal Number System

Let’s begin this post by defining tens. A ten is a group of ten units. It is the most natural number in our body through the fingers on our hands. If we count them one by one, we can see that we have ten fingers (units), which is the same as saying we have a ten […]

Mar04

Problems with Fractions and How to Solve Them

In this post, we are going to give you some guidelines and advice for confronting problems with fractions. Problems with fractions, in no time! Fortywinklesburg is an imaginary kingdom where all of its inhabitants have a peculiar habit: they sleep for days without waking up. The Winklean’s, as they are called, sleep for so long […]