Brain-Compatible Activities for Mathematics, Grades K-1

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 Who's 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

"A handy tool for teachers! The activities are clearly laid out with directions that will allow any teacher to implement academically rigorous math activities with our youngest students. It is wonderful to see a book dedicated to promoting strong number sense activities that are brain compatible. The activities presented in this book are fun and engaging for young students. This alternative method of developing number sense is likely to reach more students by focusing on different strategies that will engage the entire brain." -- Rosamaria Murillo, Principal "This book gives educators the tools necessary to provide students with effective and enjoyable learning experiences. The author offers detailed yet easily applicable lessons that will benefit both teacher and students. Sousa effectively explains the importance of brain-based learning tasks and their role in the area of mathematics. Although the activities in this book are designed to be used with the brain-compatible lesson plan format, the teacher has the ability to choose the areas that best suit his or her classroom style. This book also connects the NCTM standards to each lesson. For the past 25 years, I have taught both kindergarten and first grade. I found Sousa's book an effective as well as an enjoyable means of putting brain-compatible math into practice!" -- Susan Schipper, First-Grade Teacher