Children need to be exposed to the forms of mathematical thought as well as to the details. What is missing in most instruction is the timely unfolding of these basic forms of mathematical thought. The use of consistent, familiar forms clearly depicts the underlying structure and helps eliminate confusion and uncertainty.
Let's start with questions in the "single-form" format. Each is a breakdown of the format of questions based on one single concept; this allows your student to lay down a base to build a foundation on.
Counting, Grouping, Intervals: ?Count from _____ to _____ by _____s
Order: ?_____ is greater than/less than/equal to _____ .
Fractions and Fractional Parts:? How much is _____ (fractional part) of _____?
"The Whole is equal to the sum of its Parts": _____ (whole) = _____ (part) + _____ (part)
Percent: ?_____% of _____ is _____.
Ratio:? _____ is what part of _____?
Does it cost more to buy 5 apples or 10 apples? Why?