Brain-Compatible Activities for Mathematics, Grades 2-3

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 1. Base-Ten and Place Value Jumping Jellybeans Hundred Board-O Order Up! Number Neighborhood Stretching Numbers Place Value Pause Place Value Bingo 2. Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction Sum Roll Ball Toss Math Hockey Fact Family Trees 3. Multiplication and Division Tray Arrays Grape Groups Button Fact Families Opposites Attract Show Me the Money! Draw and Divide 4. Fractions Fruity Fractions Pieces of Pizza Treasure Hunt Take a Bigger Bite! Fraction Cookie Bars 5. Measurement Measuring Tools Measure Mania Me and My Shadow Tic-Tac-Time Race for Time! Pour It Out Measurement Scavenger Hunt Measure My Classroom Box It! 6. Geometry Name My Shape Shape Stories Shape-y Shake-y Pattern Block Party Letter Perfect Symmetry We?re Congruent Polygon Art Shape Sort 7. Data Analysis Let It Roll Counting Candy A Day at the Zoo Button Bonanza Weather Watchers Picture Perfect Hot and Cold Eye-Catching Graphs Survey Says Journal Page Answer Key References

"Bravo! All math teachers will find a resource that offers lessons and activities that help them provide meaningful instruction while making mathematics more enjoyable to students. Each lesson utilizes many research-based strategies and are based on NCTM standards for Grades 2 and 3. They give teachers the structure to plan fun-filled, meaningful lessons of their own." -- Dixon D. Van Hook, Math Coach "An excellent resource for teachers looking for hands-on activities that help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematic concepts. Sousa provides a plethora of activities correlated to the NCTM standards and that follow the structure of an effective lesson design. Whether you are a seasoned teacher looking for activities to add to your repertoire or a new teacher just building your library of resources, this book is an essential planning tool." -- Holly Savoie, Third-Grade Teacher