Multiply and Divide with Sticks and Steps®

Product Description

Math concepts can seem very abstract, but in just a short time, literally in just 5 minutes, students can learn how to multiply. This book concretely shows what multiplication is, instead of just having students memorize the times tables. It gives step-by-step instructions as well as sample problems showing how the process works. A natural flow occurs throughout the book as concepts get more difficult. Also included are easy ways to divide, find least common multiples, and square roots. This simple, hands-on method will help students achieve a better understanding of mathematics and boost self-confidence as well. Students will become so proficient they will be able to teach Sticks and Steps to others who struggle with multiplication and division. Multiply and Divide with Sticks and Steps is easy to learn, easy to teach, and so logical, it’s easy to remember. An essential resource for parents and educators to carry with them in their bag of tricks.

Review

Maureen Stearns obviously has experience working with students. In her book, Multiply and Divide with Sticks and Steps®, she shares her clear and simple system for multiplying that I plan to use with my students from here on out. As a teacher and administrator, I have seen many methods attempted to help students gain understanding of multiplication. An important aspect to Ms. Stearns’ Sticks and Steps Method is that she shows concretely what multiplication is, instead of just having students memorize the times tables. With a better understanding of why multiplication is used, it’s much easier for students to make sense of the process. Without that understanding, true learning is not taking place. I am grateful to Ms. Stearns for creating a book that teaches us all how to help students understand several math concepts with better clarity. She not only teaches multiplication, but also shows how the method works with division, least common multiples, and square roots. She also uses bigger numbers to show how the process works correctly every time. The book is simple to read and understand, and then teach to students. Students could even read this book and understand it themselves. There are step-by-step instructions as well as sample problems showing how the process works. There is a natural flow throughout the book as concepts get more difficult and problems can still be solved using her method. I highly recommend Multiply and Divide with Sticks and Steps® to any teacher looking to find a concrete way to teach multiplication and division that literally shows students on paper what is happening during the process. This is a must-have for math teachers with struggling students. I will be passing this book along to all of my teachers. –Christine Watson for ReaderViews.com —————————————– Using clear illustrations of sticks and steps, the author employs a multi-sensory system of teaching and learning that is superior to the rote memory so often expected of children learning to multiply and divide. With touching, auditory, and verbal prompts, students are learning concepts with a concrete rather than an abstract model. Plus this new system of learning multiplication and division is fun! Confidence soars with success and each set of problems ends with a boxed inset of concept reinforcer, plus an inspiring quotation or proverb about learning and living each day. Multiply and Divide with Sticks and Steps is a teaching text intended for adults and educators and older students. –Midwest Book Review

I can honestly say that I have never seen such an effective method for teaching multiplication and division. I myself struggled with a learning disability while growing up. If this had been available to me, my struggles would have been quickly resolved. –Rachel R. Godfrey, St. Petersburg

Sticks and Steps is a concrete method for teaching students of all ages how to multiply and divide. It is quick and fun! Math concepts can seem very abst