EXTENDED STAIRCASES

 Staircases can be extended beyond the first ten steps just as numbers can extend beyond ten to infinity.

Ask children to continue their staircase beyond the orange rod,

Some can ‘see’ the next step immediately.

Others will resort to trial and error – very scientific.

Some will be baffled – not a good learning state!

While it is important to present a  challenge once a situation becomes stressful  learning will not take place.

Mental blocks are often the result of imposed stressful learning situations.

Many of us believe we are ‘no good’ at math because we were frequently exposed to formal math situations before we were ready.

The Cockroft report found many professional people, including teachers, felt guilty about their lack of expertise in math.

 Instead why not exercise the imagination. A very powerful learning ally.

We shall call this game:

CINDERELLA’S STAIRCASE

These games and challenges are a preparation for the understanding of  different number bases.

Later children will be led to see how our number system is constructed and also how it is possible to work in bases other than ten.

CINDERELLA’S STAIRCASE

Cinderella has a staircase with a white carpet.

Can you build it?

Once they reach orange suggest they have more carpet left.

Can they continue up the staircase?