Teaching method and apparatus

3,934,357

05/387,350

August 10, 1973

A method and apparatus for teaching the recognition of basic numerals and performing simple arithmetic steps is provided in which tactile means of learning are utilized in addition to the senses of sight and sound. A series of individual digit-defining cutouts present a range of numerals in which each cutout is of a predetermined length corresponding to its numerical value with the cutouts being graduated to progressively increase in length from a numeral denoting a specific low value to a numeral denoting a specific high value. Thus, when a student selects a group of two or more cutouts and places them in an end-to-end relationship such that their accumulated length is equal to that of another cutout representing a base numeral, it will be seen that the sum of their individual values is equal to that of the base numeral. In this manner, not only is the recognition of individual numerals taught, but also, simple arithmetic addition and subtraction concepts can be taught with the learner discovering the answers to simple arithmetic problems through physical experience. Inasmuch as the cutouts have suitable respective widths and thicknesses compatible with their lengths, the three-dimensional configuration of the numerals makes this teaching method and apparatus ideally suited for use in connection with teaching numerical concepts and simple arithmetic in special education classes, such as those for the mentally handicapped or the blind which kinesthetic means of learning are very important.

Couvillion, Claude C. (Baton Rouge, LA)

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to

1. Apparatus which includes the provision for utilizing kinesthetic senses to teach arithmetic, said apparatus comprising

a series of individual, three dimensional, digit-defining cutouts presenting a range of numerals having corresponding distinctive configurations in which each of said cutouts is of a predetermined length relative to that of the other cutouts in said series

said cutouts being graduated to progressively increase in length from a numeral denoting a low value to a numeral denoting a high value

the length of each of said cutouts being proportionate to that of the other cutouts in said series with the respective lengths corresponding directly with the numerical value thereof such that a selected group of two or more of said cutouts have a combined length, when placed in an end-to-end relationship, equal to that of the cutout presenting the numeral having a value equal to the sum of the values of said selected group of cutouts

said cutouts each being provided with top and bottom edges that are straight and in parallelism with each other in order that the accurate placing of said cutouts in said end-to-end relationship is facilitated.

2. A method of teaching arithmetic comprising the steps of

providing a series of individual, three dimensional, digit-defining cutouts presenting a range of numerals having corresponding distinctive configurations and in which said cutouts are of relative, predetermined, proportionate lengths corresponding to their respective numerical values with each cutout having top and bottom edges that are straight and in parallelism with each other;

identifying by kinesthetic means a numeral of each value in said series of cutouts in such a manner to illustrate the distinctive configuration and the corresponding, relative differences in the value as represented by the relative length of each of the numeral cutouts; and

physically placing and aligning various ones of said series of cutouts in an adjacent relationship with their respective top and bottom edges in parallelism with one another to compare the relative differences in configuration and length to demonstrate the corresponding distinctive configurations and relative values of said numerals such that said digits

3. A method as set forth in claim 2; selecting a base numeral having a value greater than 1 from among said series of cutouts; and discriminatingly choosing from said cutouts remaining in said series a group of at least two numerals having a combined length equal to that of said base numeral for physical arrangement in an end-to-end abutting relationship proximal said base numeral whereby the sum of the values of said chosen group of numerals is equal to the value of said base numeral.

4. A method as set forth in claim 3; and selecting additional groups of numerals, each of which have an accumulated value equal to that of said base numeral from those cutouts remaining in said series and physically placing them in an end-to-end relationship proximal said base numeral whereby multiple combinations of various numerals are associated with said

5. A method as set forth in claim 3; and physically removing one of said numerals from said group whereby the value of the remaining numeral represents the remainder relative to said base numeral.

35/31G; 35/70

G09B 102

2494469 January 1950 Booth
3229388 January 1966 Smith
3311997 April 1967 Denny
3357116 December 1967 Bazacos

edspgr.03934357