Learning With Lynette

Lynette Yung

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Education

Talking about Math and using the abacus

Jul 16

Ep:55-All Things Abacus

The session covered core Abacus concepts including cognitive dissonance in addition/subtraction, distributive property in multiplication (54×18), and division. A student (Abram) joined and worked through repeated subtraction of 4, revealing he could apply formulas rhythmically but could not articulate the two distinct minus-4 formulas when prompted directly. Lynette identified this as a conceptual gap and recommended targeted practice materials.
Jul 9

Ep:54-All Things Abacus

Lynette shared her near-complete Plus Nines multiplication/division book, which simultaneously introduces both operations using fact families. The group practiced multi-digit abacus multiplication (564 × 43) and discussed how the abacus method compares to mainstream paper algorithms. Key pedagogical principles — individual number mastery, simultaneous multiplication/division, and avoiding paper as a crutch — were reinforced.
Jul 2

Ep:53-All Things Abacus

The session focused on working through a 562×48 multiplication problem on the abacus, followed by a live walkthrough of 999×999. Lynette shared a nearly complete 9x table workbook prototype with Alisa and provided strategies for correcting Abram's abacus errors. A community posting issue was also diagnosed and resolved during the call.
Jun 25

Ep:52-All Things Abacus

The session centered on critiques of modern math curriculum strategies, with strong consensus that foundational understanding must precede shortcuts or abstract concepts. Participants debated a negative-number subtraction method being introduced to 2nd–3rd graders, agreed it was inappropriate for that age, and reaffirmed the abacus approach of complements and regrouping as superior. Broader concerns about curriculum inconsistency, teaching to standardized tests, and student promotion without mastery were also discussed.
Jun 18

Ep:51-All Things Abacus

Lynette analyzed a multi-concept math problem from Alisa's curriculum (Beast Academy) and determined it introduced too many concepts simultaneously — repeated addition, multiplication, rounding, and distributive property — making it overwhelming for Abram. The session focused on breaking the problem into explicit, sequential steps and identifying that Abram is not yet ready for multiplication until foundational formulas and repeated addition are solidly mastered. Lynette will provide a 9-times-table worksheet and recommends slowing down to one concept at a time.
Feb 26

Ep:35-All Things Abacus

**Multiplication Teaching Methods:** - Development of multiplication modules (2 times table through 9 times table) - Various teaching activities including mazes, tic-tac-toe, and spin-the-wheel exercises - Different multiplication strategies: skip counting, grouping, and repeated addition - Comparing single-step versus two-step calculations - Categorizing multiplication problems by difficulty (easy, intermediate, advanced) **Abacus vs. Paper Multiplication:** - How Abacus reduces working memory load compared to traditional paper methods - Visual guidance and place value tracking on the Abacus - Different carrying methods and their implementation - Historical differences in teaching approaches (grid lines, visual aids) - Working memory requirements for paper calculations versus Abacus **Decimal Multiplication:** - Counting digits (previously called "significant figures") in multiplication problems - Decimal placement in multiplication answers - Handling decimal calculations on the Abacus **Curriculum Development:** - Updating terminology from "significant figures" to "digits" - Adding videos to the online class - Improving visibility of printed materials (darker lines and diagrams) - Publishing a number search book with Abacus activities - Considering additions like affirmations or journal lines to blank pages **Teaching Philosophy:** - Incremental difficulty progression - Critical thinking versus rote memorization - The importance of showing work and thought processes - Evolution of teaching expectations over time
Feb 19

Ep:34-All Things Abacus

**Subtraction on the Abacus** - Demonstration of subtraction problems (76 minus 29, 67 minus 29) - Explanation of handling numbers using place value system - Comparison between using physical blocks and the Abacus **Multiplication Concepts and Teaching Methods** - Teaching multiplication using visual representations and repeated addition - Understanding place value and distributive property - Using the Abacus for multiplication problems - Creating educational materials including practice pages and videos - Games for learning multiplication facts (bingo, tic-tac-toe, card games) - Teaching the 2 times table and 3 times table with dinosaur-themed materials - Multiplying factors and significant figures **Word Problems and Applications** - Solving word problems involving subtraction and multiplication - Visual representation through drawing - Understanding grouping concepts (e.g., candy in bags) - Number flexibility and different ways to group items **Division Introduction** - Preview of division teaching strategies - Breaking down problems into smaller steps - Using "or less" vocabulary consistently - Importance of mastering multiplication facts before division - Using visual aids like number lines and equations **Math Combinations and Conceptual Learning** - Understanding number partners and fact families - Practicing minus operations - Switching numbers to understand relationships The session also included discussions about calendars for teaching time concepts and number search activities.
Feb 12

Ep:33-All Things Abacus

**Educational Materials Development:** - Number search books and word search activities for Abacus practice - Children's picture books featuring Abacus concepts with AI-generated illustrations - Abacus calendars combining place values with daily dates - Practice workbooks and math maze books - A second-grade Abacus-based intervention math program **Teaching Methods and Demonstrations:** - Multiplication on Abacus, including 2-digit multiplication techniques - Subtraction strategies and building blocks - Leading zeros and their role in Abacus calculations - Place values and how the Abacus tracks numbers automatically - Two-step problem-solving methods with multiple approaches **Math Education Philosophy:** - Preventing "math trauma" through proper implementation - Building strong foundational understanding before advancing - Allowing students to discover their own shortcuts and methods - The importance of number sense, fluency, and flexibility - Critiques of poor implementation in Common Core materials **Future Plans:** - Adding multiplication content to online class platform - Creating read-along videos for children's books - Developing themed holiday books - Publishing goal of 100 books total - Music books for seniors with dementia

Talking about Math and using the abacus

Creator

Lynette Yung
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

40
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Lynette Yung
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Learning With Lynette