Brain-Compatible Activities for Mathematics, Grades K-1

Aligned with NCTM standards and focal points, this resource offers ready-to-use lessons that include brain-compatible math activities, step-by-step instructions for the teacher, and all the necessary reproducibles.

Dr. David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of seven books that suggest ways that educators and parents can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning. A member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, he has conducted workshops in hundreds of school districts on brain research, instructional skills, and science education at the Pre-K to 12 and university levels. He has made presentations to more than 100,000 educators at national conventions of educational organizations and to regional and local school districts across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Dr. Sousa has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Massachusetts State College at Bridgewater, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. His teaching experience covers all levels. He has taught senior high school science, served as a K-12 director of science, a supervisor of instruction, and a district superintendent in New Jersey schools. He has been an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University. Prior to his career in New Jersey, Dr. Sousa taught at the American School of Paris (France), and served for five years as a Foreign Service Officer and science advisor at the USA diplomatic missions in Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria). Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals on staff development, science education, and educational research. His seven popular books for educators, all published by Corwin Press, include: How the Brain Learns, third edition; How the Special Needs Brain Learns, second edition; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Brain Learns to Read; How the Brain Influences Behavior; and How the Brain Learns Mathematics, which was selected by the Independent Publishers' Association as one of the best professional development books of 2008. The Leadership Brain, suggests ways for educators to lead today's schools more effectively. His books have been published in French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and several other languages. Dr. Sousa is past president of the National Staff Development Council. He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education. He recently received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Massachusetts State College (Bridgewater), and an honorary doctorate from Gratz College in Philadelphia. Dr. Sousa has been interviewed by Matt Lauer on the NBC Today Show and by National Public Radio about his work with schools using brain research. He makes his home in south Florida.

Introduction
Links to Focal Points and Standards
About the Author
1. Whole Numbers
Seeing Dots
How Many?
Number Path
Counting Sets
More or Less
Whös First?
Number Slap
A Ten Count!
Number Jingle!
2. Addition and Subtraction
Combining Sets
Subtraction Action
Spin to Win
Take It Away
"All Aboard" the Number Line
Ready, Set...Add!
Fact Family Tree House
Math Detective
Flip it!
Number Grid
Let-s Go, Domino!
Guide to Problem Solving
3. Geometry
Shifting Shapes
Feel the Shapes
Shape Sort Race
Fishing for Triangles
3-D Shapes
Shape Up
Shapes Everywhere
The Art of Shapes!
Smart Shapes
The Shape Museum
4. Measurement
Which is Longer?
Measure it!
Ordering Lengths
How Far?
Which Holds More?
How Long? Measuring With Tens and Ones
Going on a Measurement Hunt
Comparison Center
Tick-Tock at the Clock Shop
Before or After?
5. Algebra: Sorting and Patterning
Number Patterns
What Comes Next?
Extending Patterns
Pattern Necklaces
Sorting Shoes
Sort and Classify
6. Data Analysis and Probability
Ask Me a Question
Way to Vote!
Favorite Seasons
Roll and Record
Heads or Tails
Collect and Sort Data
Fun with Bar Graphs
Likely or Unlikely?
Journal Page
Answer Key
References