Integrating math into science is a natural place to start since they are both STEM areas.
They learned that math can be integrated into science, social studies, literacy and the arts. I asked the candidates to name their strongest content area, then I would spend the semester helping them find ways to incorporate math into those areas. I knew that in order for the teacher candidates to be successful teaching math, they had to find their passion in the subject, as I had done as an elementary teacher. I then wrote a book about using children’s literature to teach problem-solving with the Common Core Content and Mathematical Practice Standards. As we began unpacking the Common Core Standards, the candidates’ anxiety increased as they were learning methods and strategies with which they were unfamiliar. I brought children’s literature and other resources for integrating math into other content areas.Īs I worked with teacher candidates, I quickly realized many were anxious about teaching math concepts to children.
I was hired to teach math methods to teacher candidates in the early childhood and elementary education licensure programs. I taught first and second grade for 12 years before I accepted a full-time faculty position at Elmhurst University in 2005. How Other Content Areas Boost Math Education Teachers will find that integrating math into other content areas can enhance elementary students’ understanding of math concepts. In turn, children become motivated to learn more about those math concepts. When teachers demonstrate how math can be used in real-world situations, children discover how math can connect to other subject areas. What happened when I mixed books and math? I started seeing students make gains and enjoy math.Īll children have subject areas in which they excel, as well as areas of interest. And I made sure that my classroom library always included a section with content area picture books to supplement my lessons. I began collecting books about math concepts covered in the elementary grades (such as geometry, place value, fractions and the four operations). Once I discovered picture books written about math concepts, I was excited to blend my two passions. When I was a primary teacher, my favorite part of the school day was when I read aloud to my students and my favorite subject to teach was math. Integrating Math Education with Other Subjects Adds Up to Stronger Lessons
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