Conceptual Squaring of Binomials

For squaring binomials, I have always used the FOIL method and memorized the algebraic expression-
a (squared) + 2ab + b(squared), but today I learned the reason I mechanically do these actions. During my Montessori training this weekend, I learned the coolest way to teach the squaring of binomials. Here are some videos I found to help teach it to everyone:

Video #1


Video #2


Have fun!!

Memorizing Songs Works

In my fifth grade we had to learn the song Fifty Nifty United States for choir and I still remember how to say the names of the fifty states in alphabetical order. Memorizing songs is the easiest way for kids to learn and enjoy it. Here is a sample of what is out on Youtube for Schoolhouse Rocks:

Fun Math Messages

Today, the kids in my after-school Math Workshop loved solving their own personalized math puzzles.
You can create your own messages for your students and they will be ready and willing to do math in order to figure out what you have to tell them.
Isn't that one reason why fortune cookies are so much fun?

Here's the Website: Multiplication Puzzle

Welcome!

Making math concrete, fun, and relevant is our goal. We have a lot of ideas to share, so let's share them here. I'll begin by posting a video on how to easily teach the multiples of threes: