Schools looking for a better way to teach K-6 math have found
Brick Math: Teaching Math Using LEGO® Bricks.
Brick Math helps students learn the K-6 math curriculum by modeling with LEGO® bricks. Specific math subjects include: Counting, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Basic Fractions, Basic Measurement, Fraction Multiplication, Fraction Division, Decimals, and Advanced Measurement and Geometry. When students are taught with Brick Math, they develop a deeper understanding of the concepts that are the foundation of true mathematical knowledge.
Brick Math is a modular program, so schools can use it as a complete curriculum, or take any of the content areas to use for remediation, for intervention, or for gifted learners.
Read FAQs to learn more about Brick Math.
Brick Math: Teaching Math Using LEGO® Bricks.
Brick Math helps students learn the K-6 math curriculum by modeling with LEGO® bricks. Specific math subjects include: Counting, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Basic Fractions, Basic Measurement, Fraction Multiplication, Fraction Division, Decimals, and Advanced Measurement and Geometry. When students are taught with Brick Math, they develop a deeper understanding of the concepts that are the foundation of true mathematical knowledge.
Brick Math is a modular program, so schools can use it as a complete curriculum, or take any of the content areas to use for remediation, for intervention, or for gifted learners.
Read FAQs to learn more about Brick Math.
Brick Math makes learning math fun!
Video Lessons
Lesson uses bricks to introduce the concept of numbers and values
from Counting and Cardinality |
Lesson introduces the ten-frame model to help students think about numbers in the context of sets of 10
from Counting and Cardinality |
Lesson shows how to model factors of a given number
from Multiplication, Division, and Basic Fractions |
Lesson teaches how to subtract fractions with like denominators
from Basic Fractions |
Lesson teaches multiplication by modeling place value with bricks
from Multiplication |
Lesson introduces the concept of division
from Division |
What administrators from schools using Brick Math are saying about the program:
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"Not only were the Brick Math resources easy to use, but the students say that, for the first time, math is easy. Seeing the math problem helps them understand previously taught concepts and corrects misunderstandings in their learning."
Crystal Sexton, Principal |
"Our students love Brick Math. Teachers note the excitement and engagement among students. We have found that our students are gaining a better understanding when they can 'see' the problems and concepts.
Deana Coley, Ed. S., Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction |
"Brick Math is a wonderful hands-on way to teach counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and geometry. We are able to use Brick Math to help teach our students conceptually. "
Christie Weatherly, Principal |
Research-Based
Brick Math is based on theories of Constructionism and brain research. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of teaching math using manipulatives to incorporate a hands-on style. Brick Math builds on this body of research by utilizing LEGO® bricks as the manipulative, adding elements of creativity and enjoyment to learning foundational mathematics.
Easy to teach. Fun to learn.
Teachers don't require training to begin using Brick Math, but Professional Development is available if a school or district wants to bring on the curriculum with training. Click here to learn more about Professional Development.
Use the lessons in the Teacher Edition for any math subject. Start by taking students through the Part 1: Show Them How section of each chapter. Build the brick models, show them to the students, and ask students questions as directed. Be sure to use the math vocabulary for each lesson.
Have students build the same models themselves so they are manipulating the bricks as you are guiding them. If possible, use a document camera to display your models as you build them. Then have students draw their models and answer the questions in their companion Student Editions.
Once students have mastered the modeling processes from Part 1, move to the Part 2: Show What You Know section of the chapter. Ask students to complete each of the problems, first by modeling with bricks and then drawing their models in the companion Student Edition.
Once students have mastered the modeling processes from Part 1, move to the Part 2: Show What You Know section of the chapter. Ask students to complete each of the problems, first by modeling with bricks and then drawing their models in the companion Student Edition.
Move through the room, checking that students are building their models correctly and that they understand the concepts behind the models.
Tracking and Assessment
The Student Editions include an Assessment for every chapter, a chart to track each student's progress, and additional problems for practice and challenge.
Brick Set
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The Brick Math Brick Set is specially designed for the program. The 250 LEGO-compatible bricks are packaged in a sturdy divided storage box and the set includes two baseplates for building brick models.
In the Teacher Edition lesson books, every chapter has a list of the specific bricks needed to teach the lessons in that chapter. All the Teacher and Student Editions include a total brick inventory that lists all 250 bricks needed for the entire Brick Math K-6 program. |
Classroom Management Tips
- Before starting, have a conversation with the students about using bricks as a learning tool rather than a toy.
- Teach students the language of bricks (baseplate, stud, 1x1, 1x2, etc.).
- Assign brick sets to specific students by number and always give the same students the same sets. This helps keep students from taking home or misplacing bricks. If they know they will always have to work with the same brick set, they are more likely to be careful with their set.
- Do not teach with bricks—or any manipulative—every day. Students also need to think through the math processes without a physical model.
- To keep bricks clean, put them in a hosiery bag and wash on the top rack of the dishwasher. Let them air dry.
- To keep bricks from sliding off desks, use foam shelf liner cut into rectangular sections or large meat trays (you can often get these free from a local supermarket).
- Active learning breeds active learners! Students will be motivated and engaged in math when they are using bricks. It will not be quiet in the classroom, but it will be full of chatter about math!