Math is an established part of the educational system. Educators understand the importance of math, especially at the elementary level. Students in primary grades learn to add, subtract, multiply, divide, measure and solve word problems. Elementary math contains the building blocks necessary for more complex thinking. As students progress into higher grade levels, math becomes more challenging. If elementary skills haven't been mastered, then students have a harder time with math later in life.
There are several math topics taught to students throughout the school year. These elementary topics include: number sense and counting, operations, decimals, fractions, measurement, graphs, money and time. Each topic is taught each year, with difficulty appropriate to the grade level. Students must learn basic number operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Students must also learn about place value and the decimal system. They must learn how to measure objects, and how to graph basic information into a line or bar graph. Learning how to count money and tell time are also important lessons they must learn.
Educators know that learning takes place best when students have hands-on learning experiences. This means the use of math manipulatives is essential in all elementary math classrooms. Objects such as counting bears are used to teach children how to count and group objects. Toy clocks are used to teach children how to tell time, and cubes are used to teach addition and subtraction.
There has been much research on the topic of elementary mathematics. U.S. researchers have found that hands-on problem-solving situations help the learner score better on assessments. According to International Children's Education, "Children must have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and attitudes needed to become lifelong learners of mathematics. To achieve this goal, educators are concerned that more time be spent on understanding math concepts and less on how to do paper-and-pencil computations." Math educational reform is a continuous process. As society progresses in technology and computer science, the teaching of math will continue to change.