Teaching Multiplication Using "Amanda Bean's Amazing Dream"

Paper Summary:

This paper proposes an effective new approach to teaching students in Grades 4 to 6 multiplication, using Cindy Neuschwander's, book "Amanda Bean's Amazing Dream", which features the concept of multiplication as a shorter way to find an answer than counting. The paper explains that the book's approach involves teaching the children why one needs to learn the multiplication tables, since children are often preoccupied with the reasons they are asked to do things. The paper also explains that the book places emphasis on applying math to everyday real-life situations that children can relate to. To conclude, the paper maintains that "Amanda Bean's Amazing Dream" will help to motivate children towards learning multiplication by making it into something fun.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
A Three-Part Lesson Plan
Exploration
Overview
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Children in Grades 4 to 6 are more given to questioning and this can become a device in postponing work sessions, in asking why something is undertaken. Amanda Bean's Amazing Dream has appealing illustrations reinforcing the idea of a world of many particularities. Using the example above, if a city neighbourhood has 200 televisions in about 200 dwellings but the class estimates that there are perhaps 50 to 75 dogs, what does this tell us about how people live?
"Flash cards indicating equations of 5 x 6, for instance, or 7 x 2, should be incorporated into the day at more than one point. Most children can attend to a focused lesson but will welcome the card's reappearance, later on, as a very old method of 'saturation' that also helps to break up the day. The teacher makes the reminder that times tables are learned a little at a time beyond formal efforts to memorize tables in printed form, till students do not need to think each time but realize they can recall more equations. The teacher should state that no one learns them perfectly, this human touch of stating which table she may have to pause and think through each time helping the task of memorization seem less daunting."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hellwig, S.J., E.E. Monroe and J.S. Jacobs. "Making Informed Choices - Selecting Children's Trade Books for Mathematics Instruction." Teaching Children Mathematics. November (2000): 138-143.
• Neuschwander, Cindy. Amanda Bean's Amazing Dream. New York: Marilyn Burns Brainy Day - Scholastic Press, 1998.

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