Homeschool Math Blog

What is " subitizing "? It's probably a new word for most. It basically means being able to recognize instantly how many objects you see, without counting. We all do that with the dots on the face of a dice . People who play dominoes with the larger set also learn to do that with the dots on the dominoes (they can go up to 18). But why would such be important? It is for children, because it promotes number sense , and also ties in with the concepts of addition, subtraction, and even place value. Look at the dominoes in the picture, and especially the one in the front with turquoise dots on the left side and three orange dots on the right. Photo courtesy of catheroo Looking at the turquoise dots, can you tell how many there are without counting ? Most of us realize that it is just one less than three rows of three, or nine. So therefore it has eight dots. That is "subitizing". By learning to subitize a child is learning: • number sense • to associate a number w...

I delved into this fascinating website just this past week, and I heartily recommend you visit it, too! Most math teachers have faced the age-old question, "When will I ever need this?", especially when kids get into algebra and more. Well, FuturesChannel.com has the answer - in the form of short movies, lesson guides, and worksheets. The topics are just fascinating, from skyscrapers, roller coasters, endangered animals, to inventing, the subway, bakery, bicycle design, etc. For each movie, there is a worksheet or several for the student that concentrates on some math topic that is needed in the field shown in the movie. Some samplings: 100,000 computers a day A rare and fascinating look inside the world's largest computer manufacturer, Dell Inc., where thousands of computers are custom-built and shipped around the world every day. From the call center to the inventory system to the assembly line and beyond, one thing is certain: The whole operation relies on a variety ...