Strategic Math Series: MULTIPLICATION FACTS 0 to 81 (Cecil D. Mercer, Susan Peterson Miller)

In a graduated series of lessons, students progress through three different levels of instruction: concrete, representational, and abstract. At the concrete level, they use objects (like pennies) to understand that a problem, like 5 times 7, is the same as five groups of seven pennies. At the representational level, they use pre-printed pictures to expand this understanding. Finally, they graduate to the abstract level, where they use numbers alone to answer the problem, or, if they’re unable to recall the answer, draw out the problem using tallies. Timed practice activities, motivational “pig games,” and practical word problems round out the instruction at each level.


Please note that professional development, coaching, and infrastructure support are essential components to effective implementation of SIM instructional tools and interventions. It is highly recommended that you work with a SIM professional developer. Please email simpd@ku.edu to learn more.
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