Suggestions to Extend Quantitative Reasoning Skills
Quantitative reasoning skills include high-level problem solving with mathematical computation, quantitative symbols and concepts. Some things you could do to support children’s growth in this area include:
• Identify connections between different math processes
• Discuss and practice using math in other disciplines such as architecture, physics, chemistry
• Use math in real-life such as baking, grocery store, travel planning
• Ask “How could we improve…(the triangle, long division, etc.)?”
• Have students generate a list of questions about the math concept
• Study number systems not based on 10
• Use a variety of problem-solving strategies, such as: make a list, look for a pattern, guess and test, draw a diagram, work backwards
• Have children create their own math problems, number system, or problem-solving strategy
• Practice multi-step math problems • Ask students to prove their answer to a math problem
• Use open-ended problems and decide what processes should be used and what outcomes are expected
• Teach children to ask “Is this answer reasonable?”
• Ask “What is the chance of (an event) occurring?
• Create charts, tables, graphs to show Social Studies content
• Use data to make predictions for a science experiment
• Ask “What might happen if…?” questions such as: What might happen if the numbers 84 and 95 changed places or circles developed a straight side?
• Create riddles, jokes, cartoons about math concepts
• Use fantasy to discuss math content
• Learn computer programming
• Use the computer program Study Island for advanced content Read books that use math content creatively, such as The Phantom Tollbooth by Juster
• Identify connections between different math processes
• Discuss and practice using math in other disciplines such as architecture, physics, chemistry
• Use math in real-life such as baking, grocery store, travel planning
• Ask “How could we improve…(the triangle, long division, etc.)?”
• Have students generate a list of questions about the math concept
• Study number systems not based on 10
• Use a variety of problem-solving strategies, such as: make a list, look for a pattern, guess and test, draw a diagram, work backwards
• Have children create their own math problems, number system, or problem-solving strategy
• Practice multi-step math problems • Ask students to prove their answer to a math problem
• Use open-ended problems and decide what processes should be used and what outcomes are expected
• Teach children to ask “Is this answer reasonable?”
• Ask “What is the chance of (an event) occurring?
• Create charts, tables, graphs to show Social Studies content
• Use data to make predictions for a science experiment
• Ask “What might happen if…?” questions such as: What might happen if the numbers 84 and 95 changed places or circles developed a straight side?
• Create riddles, jokes, cartoons about math concepts
• Use fantasy to discuss math content
• Learn computer programming
• Use the computer program Study Island for advanced content Read books that use math content creatively, such as The Phantom Tollbooth by Juster
