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 more than twenty books that suggest ways 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 preK-12 and university levels. He has made presentations to more than two hundred thousand educators at national conventions of educational organizations and to regional and local school districts across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Dr. Sousa has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, 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 and served as a K-12 director of science, supervisor of instruction, and district superintendent in New Jersey schools. He was an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University for ten years 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 US diplomatic missions in Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria). Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals on professional development, science education, and educational research. His most popular books for educators include How the Brain Learns, now in its sixth edition; How the Special Needs Brain Learns, second edition; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Brain Learns to Read, second edition; How the Brain Influences Behavior; How the ELL Brain Learns; Differentiation and the Brain, second edition (with Carol Tomlinson); and How the Brain Learns Mathematics, second edition, which was selected by the Independent Book Publishers Association as one of the best professional development books. The Leadership Brain suggests ways for educators to lead today's schools more effectively. Dr. Sousa's books have been published in French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Russian, and several other languages. His book Brainwork: The Neuroscience Behind How We Lead Others is written for business and organizational leaders. Dr. Sousa is past president of the National Staff Development Council (now called Learning Forward). He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Bridgewater State University and an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Gratz College in Philadelphia. Dr. Sousa has been interviewed on the NBC Today show, by other television programs, 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