Hands-On Problem Solving is essential to learning mathematics. When actively engaged in problem solving, students use all the mathematical processes they need in order to achieve the goals of mathematics education and to support lifelong learning. In Hands-On Problem Solving, students are exposed to a wide range of problems in all areas of mathematics. They solve these problems by applying a combination of mathematical knowledge, tools, and strategies. They also explore a variety of methods for solving and confirming their solutions.

The ability to use mathematical knowledge to solve problems is the goal for all students. Hands-On Problem Solving is an easy-to-use resource that helps teachers plan and implement best practices to meet this goal. In this book, you will find

• problem-solving activities to incorporate into daily mathematics classes for an entire school year
• a correlation chart identifying the math concepts presented in each lesson
• tasks designed for specific outcomes and learning expectations from Canadian curriculum documents
• problems integrating other curricular areas such as language arts, science, and social studies
• materials lists, reproducibles, assessment suggestions, and much more!

Download the FREE digital resources that accompany this book by following the instructions printed on the first page of the Appendix.

Jennifer E. Lawson, PhD, is the creator of the Hands-On books published by Portage & Main Press. As senior writer and editor for the series, she has contributed to more than 50 publications for teachers and students. Jennifer provides professional development workshops for educators locally, nationally, and virtually, and is a Workplace Wellness Advisor. Her most recent book is a collective effort called Teacher, Take Care: A Guide to Well-Being and Workplace Wellness for Educators. She is also one of the founders of Mission to Mexico, an organization that supports schools in some of the most impoverished communities in Puerto Vallarta. Throughout her extensive career in education, Jennifer has worked as a classroom teacher, resource and special education teacher, consultant, principal, university instructor, and school trustee. She lives with her family in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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Susan Atcheson, BSc in Psychology, BEd, PBCE, Certificate in Special Education, is a K–5 resource teacher in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As an educator for the past 26 years, Susan has worked as an early classroom teacher with children with learning disabilities, and as a tutor for adult education. Susan believes in creating learning environments for children that engage and support curiosity and imagination while developing strong academic and social skills. As a resource teacher, she considers a collaborative approach essential to educating children.

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Pat Steuart, BEd, is an elementary school teacher who has taught all subjects in primary grades 1 to 4. She currently teaches a multiage/grades 1–3 classroom. Pat believes in an activity-based approach to teaching and providing opportunities for students to share and discuss their solutions and ideas. She has taught courses in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. She resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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Dayna Quinn-LaFleche, BEd, is the K–4 math and math-intervention teacher at Rosser Elementary School in the Interlake School Division in Rosser, Manitoba. She believes that students learn best through hands-on activities or experiences, and that when they make connections from the curriculum to real life, genuine education happens. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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Denise MacRae, BHEc, EdCert, is a former primary school teacher who taught nursery to grade 3 for 29 years in the inner city of Winnipeg. She currently works as a faculty advisor for the University of Manitoba. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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