Math
The models on your child's math homework, from number lines and ten frames to tape diagrams and area models. What each one shows, which grade uses it, why schools teach it, and how to use it at home.
Math Models Explained
How-toExplainerWhy math is taught differently now, the same problems solved the old way and the new way, when the standard algorithm arrives, and how to help with tonight's homework.
WorksheetsHow-toExplainerWhat an area model is, how to multiply with one step by step, how it lines up with the carrying method parents learned, which grade uses it, and free worksheets with an answer key.
WorksheetsHow-toExplainerWhat a tape diagram is and why it has three names, which grade uses it, how to draw one step by step, and why schools teach it, with a free blank template and word problems.
WorksheetsHow-toExplainerWhat a number bond is, why schools draw it, what grade children learn it, and how to teach it at home, with a free blank template and worksheets.
WorksheetsHow-toExplainerWhat a ten frame is, why schools use one instead of counting by ones, what each grade does with it, and how to make ten at the kitchen table.
WorksheetsHow-toExplainerWhat the units, rods, and flats stand for, how to show a number and a regroup with them, and free to-scale blocks to cut out, a mat, and practice sheets with answer keys.
WorksheetsHow-toExplainerWhat a number line is and why it starts at 0, which grade uses one, how to add and subtract by jumps, and free printable lines from 0–10 to 0–100, blank and open.
WorksheetsHow-toExplainerWhat the bead rack on your child's homework is, why schools use it instead of counting by ones, which grades use it, and how to use one at home, with a free paper rekenrek.
WorksheetsHow-toExplainerWhat an array is, how it shows multiplication, which grade uses it, why schools teach it before the times tables, and how to explain it at home, with free array worksheets.
How-toExplainerWhat a math manipulative is, what the research says makes one work, which ones fit which age, how to make them at home, and how to use them so they lead to written numbers.