The Hands-On Mathematics series is an instructional program for teachers of grades 1 to 4 mathematics. Based on recent research in mathematics education, Hands-On Mathematics assists teachers in developing students’ mathematical literacy through active inquiry, problem solving, and decision-making. The program is activity-based and child-centred, meaning that students are engaged in hands-on activities in a real-life context to explore the world of mathematics around them. The program emphasizes seven key processes of mathematics education: communication, connections, mental math and estimation, problem solving, reasoning, technology, and visualization.

Each grade-level resource includes four to six instructional units.

Each unit includes:

• mathematics vocabulary lists
• mathematics background information
• detailed lesson plans focusing on specific curricular objectives and skills
• blackline masters for lesson visuals and activity sheets
• suggested books for children and websites
• an authentic assessment plan based on the most current research in educational assessment