Winter 2006

To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: DOWNLOAD

Tips For Teachers

Arithmetic Ideas in Colour

Students who see and touch coloured pieces of paper that visually represent the number values 1 to 10, quickly learn and understand basic facts. To implement this concept in your classroom, choose 10 colours of construction paper, then cut each sheet into inch wide strips. Designate one colour for each number value and cut the strips accordingly. For example, designate white for 1 and cut the white strips into 1 inch squares; then cut green for 2 into 2 inch strips; yellow for 3 into 3 inch strips, etc. Students can print the numerals on the corresponding strips. They can see and feel that it takes 3 pieces of 3 to make a 9. These small and quiet pieces of easy to store coloured paper can demonstrate basic facts of adding, substracting, multiplying and dividing as well as fractions. And the hands and eyes are adding memory links to the spoken explanations of basic arithmetic. The more senses used in learning, the faster the learning takes place for most students, and the more permanent the learning.

I also use colour to help my teenage and adult students learn basic English grammar, with 8 colours for the 8 parts of speech. Having the 4 words of a verb phrase in a sentence all coloured green, for example, clarifies the structure quickly. Coloured chalk, highlighters, overheads and computer screens all are useful in showing explanations that build on our spoken and written words.

Submitted by
Bernice Lever
www.colourofwords.com