The abacus predates the alphabet and the invention of glass, but its use can help modern day students increase their math proficiency and understanding. Ulrich Boser, the author of Learn Better, studied how the abacus requires decomposition -- a way of thinking about numbers and their pairs -- that is included in the common-core standards. Using an abacus helps students foster a mind-body connection, utilize their short term memory, and grow their confidence, all which help kids learn better. In this video, Boser, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, challenges his daughters to solve math problems using a Japanese abacus.
Teaching
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Teachers, Try This: Build a Lesson Plan Using ChatGPT
One educator explains how teachers can use ChatGPT to create lesson plans, and offers insight and advice on the process and its pitfalls.
Student Well-Being
Video
How Districts Can Improve Mental Health Through Building Design
The WELL Building Institute offers ideas for improving student and teacher mental health, including low-cost options like reducing clutter.
Student Well-Being
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How This School Uses Architecture and Design to Improve Mental Health
John Lewis Elementary School in Washington, D.C., was designed with mental health in mind. It’s become a model for the district.
Social Studies
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Updating Social Studies Expectations in the ‘Critical Race Theory’ Era
Always a focal point for controversy, updating what students should know in history class became especially charged in late 2021 and 2022.
