I use Mortensen Math with all of my math students. The base-ten blocks make everything visual and gives students a chance to build the problems with their hands. It is remarkably effective.
Mortensen Math Principles: (From Instructor’s Manual)
- No mathematical concept is beyond the grasp of a child if the teacher is willing to present it on the plane of the child.
- Mathematics is a VISUAL form. Understanding math comes from the ability to SEE the concepts and not in working with abstract numbers and mechanical processes.
- Math is HIGHLY SENSORIAL. Students must work the problems with their EYES and their HANDS before they move to the abstract.
What do we need? 5 Things.
- Skillset
- Mindset
- Concepts
- Tools = manipulatives
- Practice = play with blocks
