Introduction

subtrahend. In a subtraction question, thenumber that is subtracted from another number.In the example 15 – 5=10, 5 is the subtrahend.symbol. A letter, numeral, or figure that representsa number, operation, concept, or relationship.Teachers need to ensure that students makemeaningful connections between symbols andthe mathematical ideas that they represent.table. An orderly arrangement of facts set out foreasy reference – for example, an arrangement ofnumerical values in vertical columns and horizontalrows.tactile learner. See kinaesthetic learner.T-chart. A chart that has been divided into twocolumns, so that the divider looks like the letterT. T-charts are often used to organize numericalrelationships.Number of Bicycles Number of Wheels1 22 43 64 85 10ten frame. A 2 by 5 array onto which countersor dots are placed to help students relate a givennumber to 10 (e.g., 8 is 2 less than 10) and recognizethe importance of using 10 as an anchorwhen adding and subtracting. See also five frame.think-talk-write. A learning strategy wherebystudents think alone for a specified amount oftime in response to a question posed by theteacher. Students then discuss their ideas witha partner or a small group and record theirthoughts about the question. The thinking andtalking components of the strategy encouragestudents to record thoughtful responses to thequestion.three-dimensional figure. (Also called “figure”.)An object having length, width, and depth. Threedimensionalfigures include cones, cubes, prisms,cylinders, and so forth. See also two-dimensionalshape.trading. See regrouping.transform the problem. A strategy for changinga problem with the purpose of making it easier tosolve (e.g., change 39+57 to 40+56). See alsocompensation.triangular flashcards. Flashcards in the shapeof a triangle with an addend in each of two cornersand the sum in the third. To practise addition andsubtraction facts, one person covers one of thenumbers and shows the card to a partner, whomust determine the missing number. Triangularflashcards can also be made for the practice ofbasic multiplication and division facts.98think-aloud. A process in which the teachermodels problem solving or using a strategy byexpressing out loud his or her thinking and decisionmaking as he or she works through a problem ortask.4 5 2 4A triangular flashcard for A triangular flashcard foraddition and subtraction multiplication and divisionTribes. A program of activities used to developa positive learning environment. The emphasisis on community building and the acceptance ofothers and their opinions in order to maximizelearning in each student.Glossary 101