Q&A WITH AUTHOR ​DR. SHIRLEY DISSELER

Dr. Shirley Disseler

1. What subjects are covered in the Brick Math program?

Brick Math covers the key math subjects taught in elementary school: Counting and Cardinality, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Basic Fractions, Fraction Multiplication, Fraction Division, Basic Measurement, Decimals, and Advanced Measurement and Geometry. Each subject is covered with a teaching guide and a student edition. 

2. Where are the books available?

The books can be purchased direct from the publisher in paperback and PDF versions. Paperback versions are available on Amazon, and Kindle versions are available on Amazon Kindle. PDF versions are available on the website Teachers Pay Teachers. For schools ordering in quantity, discounts and free shipping are available by ordering direct from the publisher: www.brickmathseries.com/schools.

3. What grade levels apply to the Brick Math program?

Counting and Cardinality,  Addition, and Subtraction are geared for students in grades K – 2. Multiplication, Division, Basic Fractions, and Basic Measurement are generally taught in grades 3 – 5. Fraction Multiplication, Fraction Division, Decimals, and Advanced Measurement and Geometry are most often part of the curriculum in grades 4 - 6. Of course, lessons in all the books can be used in different grade levels depending on your students.

4. CAN I teach with the Brick Math program WITHOUT SPECIAL TRAINING?

Yes. The methods can be used by teachers and parents without any special training. The Teacher Edition guides the teacher through the lessons clearly and in sequence. The Student Edition gives each student a workbook for drawing brick models and explaining thinking in writing; in addition, the Student Edition includes extra problems, activities, and a student assessment for each chapter. 

5. is professional development available for the Brick Math program?

Yes. Although no special training is required, professional development is available for schools who would like it when implementing the program. Contact us if you are interested in arranging for professional development.

6. Is Brick Math appropriate for homeschooling?

Yes, the program works very well as part of a homeschooling curriculum. Parents can also use Brick Math with their children for enrichment, or to help their children at home if they are struggling with math concepts.

7. does Brick Math work well for math intervention for struggling students?

Yes. Brick Math is a great teaching resource for students who are struggling with math concepts. The visual and tactile nature of building brick models, along with the emphasis on deep understanding of math, makes Brick Math an excellent tool for math intervention.

8. Will the LEGO® bricks I already own work with Brick Math activities?

LEGO® bricks or compatible bricks will work for learning with Brick Math. It’s easy to check if you have enough bricks. Every chapter has a “Suggested Bricks” list for the bricks that will be used in that chapter. The list covers enough bricks for two students to use. Each book includes a total brick inventory that lists all the bricks suggested for the program for every two students. We recommend that each student have a baseplate on which to build brick models to keep the models from shifting.

9. Can I buy brick sets for the series?

Yes. Brick sets specially designed for Brick Math are available direct from the publisher. Quantity discounts are also available for brick sets: www.brickmathseries.com/schools.

10. Where can I get more information about Brick Math?

The Facebook page for Brick Math gives more information about the program and offers opportunities for the community of users to ask questions about the program. Find it at www.facebook.com/brickmathseries or by searching on Facebook for “Teaching Math Using LEGO Bricks.”