Van Bien: Carole Fullerton
Attending the Van Bien Pro-Development Day with Carole Fullerton was a fun-filled experience that provided valuable strategies for teaching math concepts to primary, intermediate, and secondary students! Fullerton’s session affirmed the importance of using manipulatives and games to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that support deeper mathematical understanding. One of my key takeaways was the significance of precise and accessible language in math instruction. Fullerton suggested using words like “and” instead of “plus” to help students develop a more intuitive grasp of addition. Simple shifts in language can have a profound impact on learners’ comprehension of mathematical relationships. The session highlighted the effectiveness of manipulatives, such as linking cubes, number lines, and ten frames, helping to conceptualize understanding. Fullerton emphasized that hands-on tools enable students to visualize and physically interact with numbers, making abstract concepts more concrete. One particularly useful resource that I want to incorporate into my classrooms is Cuisenaire rods, which support fluency by encouraging exploration and problem-solving with fun. Games were another focal point of the session, reinforcing their value in math instruction. Not only do games make learning fun, but they also offer repeated practice opportunities in a low-stress environment. Activities such as number talks, dice games, and pattern building exercises encourage students to engage with math critically and collaboratively. A fun guessing game using wooden blocks, for example, can effectively build number sense and engagement. Fullerton’s approach reinforced my belief that early math instruction should be interactive, student-centered, and developmentally appropriate. The session introduced aspects of math thinking conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and a productive disposition. The “I can” attitude. Encouraging students to explore strategies and practice through open-ended tasks can help them create competency and confidence in their learning. The ultimate goal is to help students build fluency in math, aligning with the idea that “the more math we know, the happier we’ll be.” This professional development experience has equipped me with valuable strategies going into my first practicum. This refreshed and enhanced my math instruction for primary students. I look forward to implementing these techniques in my classroom and continuing to discover innovative ways to make math accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for my students!