Here’s part two of our intro to the Pythagorean Theorem where we move on to introducing the actual formula of a2 + b2 = c2 to find the sides of a right triangle. The fact that they proved it for themselves first will help them to remember it in the future. It won’t be just another formula void of meaning to be memorized for a test.
Using Cuisenaire Rods or other similar manipulatives is an excellent way to introduce complex math concepts to children. They can see and touch math instead of just hearing and writing abstract symbols.
In this free math video we talked about right triangles and I tried to lead my girls to discover the Pythagorean Theorem on their own. They played with squares and it took quite a while but they eventually got there!
Using Cuisenaire Rods or other similar manipulatives is an excellent way to introduce complex math concepts to children. They can see and touch math instead of just hearing and writing abstract symbols.
Introducing my 8-year-old to imperfect squares. Take note of how I don’t directly tell her what to do. I lead her to discover it on her own, letting her make mistakes and redirecting her in the right direction until she is able to make the connection on her own. This is the best way to learn something – earning that “Aha!” moment. It sticks better that way! Teaching this way is called directed discovery. You don’t just let the child flounder, but aim her in the right direction while giving clues about where to go next.
