Introducing a Number using Visual Cluster Cards and Cuisenaire Rods

This video is about Introducing a Number using Visual Cluster Cards and Cuisenaire Rods. We discussed in another video (The Parallels between learning Literacy and Numeracy), knowing the letters of the alphabet is a prerequisite to (a) learning sight words, (b) phonemic awareness, (c) word attack skills, and, ultimately, acquiring reading skills, Similarly, knowing one's mathematics alphabet (The ten numerals/numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 9, and 10) is a prerequisite to number concept, numbersense, and ultimately, learning numeracy skills. In this video, we introduce the concept of number 5. Same lesson plan, as used in this video, can be used for other numbers. A sketch (essential steps, sequence, questioning, and the principles of pedagogy) of this lesson is available (free of cost) by sending an email to: [email protected]. For the full treatment of teaching number concept watch the video: How to Teach Number Concept. Future videos will deal with numbersense and numeracy. In my opinion, almost every elementary teacher is a better reading teacher than a numeracy teacher. However, using the same principles, same care, and same teaching skills can deliver an effective numeracy lesson. The only requirement is to understand number concept mastery in the same way we expect them to know the letter concept. As we expect every child to read fluently with comprehension by the end of third grade, we should expect and work diligently toward the goal of for every child to have mastery of numeracy with understanding by the end of fourth grade so that they can learn mathematics easily, effectively, and efficiently and appreciate its reach, power, and beauty. It is about number concept, numbersense and building the brain for numeracy and beyond. it is all about how we make it easier for students to understand it and communicate it. Through a systematic way of learning, practicing, and applying knowledge about the number concept, numbersense, numeracy, and mathematical way of thinking children have access to higher mathematics.. The videos on this site are to help achieve this goal. Join me in reaching this goal, not just in our country, but the whole world. Numeracy is the new literacy. Mahesh For a list of publications from the Center and my ideas about learning and teaching mathematics, understanding learning problems in mathematics, please visit my website www.mathematicsforall.org and my blog: www.mathlanguage.wordpress.com. I am so thankful to my friend and colleague, Ann Lyle, for her expertise in photography. She is an accomplished, award winning, and professionally recognized photographer.