image from https://uk.pinterest.com/jinnyree14/lego-dots-ideas/ Introduction I swear Lego discontinued their Dots products in 2023 because I started them using to teach. Lego dots were small geometric pixel-like pieces intended for children's crafts. While I have used Dots successfully in one-on-one tutoring, I plan on integrating them into my middle school classroom teaching. I prefer to write in present-tense, so this article will be written as if I am using them in the cla

Introduction Studies show that young students often lack a basic understanding of the additive inverse, which is, in my opinion, a real shame. I particularly appreciate Paul Lockhart's description of the necessity for identities when performing arithmetic. From page 85 of The Mending of Broken Bones: "The maneuvers that any artist or craftsman performs are those suited to the medium. Whether it is tying knots, performing ballet, carving wood, or doing algebra, the medium—be i