EMMA Math

Espoo, Finland

Concrete tools for learning mathematics

This method boosts mathematical thinking skills, such as understanding the concept of numbers and reasoning skills. The method uses quantity blocks that were developed for this innovation as well as simple practice templates and exercise for using the blocks.

English | Suomi

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Finland 100

Overview

HundrED has selected this innovation to

Finland 100

Web presence

2015

Established

-

Children/users

1

Countries

Updated

November 22nd, 2022

At first we wanted to build support for students who had difficulties in mathematics. We achieved more when we doubled down on teaching counting. Students’ skills improved – and so did student motivation and confidence in their own skills.

About the innovation

What is it all about?

Mathematical thinking is needed every day. It is important that from the very beginning, students see mathematics as a subject in which there are several different solutions and points of view. The aim is to strengthen the concept of numbers, build a sense of self-efficacy, and to spark curiosity.

With EMMA Math we can help students build a positive attitude towards mathematics and support the development of mathematical thinking. The EMMA Math tools especially develop the understanding of numbers, upon which later mathematical understanding is built on.

Students learn by interacting with concrete tools. The tools promote learning in all children, but are especially beneficial for students who have difficulties with understanding mathematics.

The EMMA Math method combines tangibility with deduction: students get to know phenomena related to numbers and counting in an active way. A key step is producing mathematical language, which means deduction, explanation and experimentation.

Impact & scalability

Impact & Scalability

Innovativeness

Understanding counting is an essential stepping stone for success in later mathematical studies. The tools developed aid this process.

Impact

Using Emma Math improves learning results, learner motivation and builds students’ confidence in their own skills.

Scalability

The innovation can be implemented anywhere because the quantity blocks are not exclusive to any language or culture.

Media

Emma has been tested in Finnish classrooms since 2010.

The four languages of math. Click the image to get it bigger.

emma esitys v2

Emmamath - four languages of math

Implementation steps

Get the needed supplies

You will need the physical product, meaning the quantity blocks, the manual, the practice templates and exercises.

Supply costs can vary from dozens to hundreds of euros depending on the products. In Finland you can find supplies at www.earlylearning.fi and elsewhere at www.emmamath.com.

Use the manual to get to know the supplies

The manual is simple and easy to understand. Implementing the supplies will be quick and easy.

Use the supplies as a part of your own teaching

The tools can work as part of a lesson or you can build your lesson around on them. They can be used with the whole group, in pairs or individually with a teacher.

Contact the EMMA Math team

If you want to dive deeper into the EMMA Math method, contact us! We welcome you to experiment and develop the EMMA Math products together with the team!