Math

Math in Focus:

* is a textbook series based on Singapore’s Ministry of Education’s Mathematics Framework.

* is organized to teach fewer concepts at each level, but to teach them thoroughly. When a concept appears in a subsequent grade level, it is always at a higher or deeper level.

*helps students build solid conceptual understanding through a focus on problem solving. The sequences of topics are written to develop a level of mastery, following the Singapore Mathematics Problem Solving Framework. Students learn the “why” and “how” through instruction, hands-on activities, and problem solving.

*consistently employs a concrete-pictorial-abstract progression. Clear and engaging visuals that present concepts and model solutions allow all students to gain a strong conceptual understanding.

*is divided into two sections. Book A concentrates heavily on key Number and Operations concepts so students build a strong foundation in the beginning of the year. Book B focuses on geometry and measurement. The Standards for Mathematical Practice are integrated within the content through activities, explorations, practice and meaningful discussion.

What is the Philosophy of Math in Focus?

This pentagon emphasizes conceptual understanding, skill development, strategies for solving problems, attitudes toward math and metacognition. This framework parallels the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice.

4th Grade-consists of Books A and B

Materials: Students will have a hard cover, non-consumable book that they will use every day. Also, they will have consumable workbooks that provide independent practice in school and at home. Students should not be doing the workbook pages until they can successfully do them. The purpose of the workbook pages for homework and school is to practice and become fluent, not to learn. The workbook pages will parallel the work done in class. We will use both hands on manipulatives as well as virtual manipulatives (this helps to facilitate the concrete-pictorial-abstract learning progression. Technology integration and fact fluency practice will be used too.

Assessments: Diagnostic chapter pre-test-will tell if students have the prior knowledge to be successful in the current chapter. (For example, after administering the pre-test and analyzing it for errors, there may be reteaching of concepts and skills before proceeding with the chapter).

*Chapter tests (called Test Prep) for each chapter- consists of multiple choice, short answer and extended response.

*Cumulative, mid-year and year-end assessments.

Differentiation: Reteaching (focuses heavily on pictorial models and often takes the student back to previous grades or lessons), Extra Practice and Enrichment (focuses on the same topic but with greater cognitive demands/deeper thinking)materials are available as a Blackline master and is available online. These pages may be used as homework if needed.

  • Unit 1: Working with Whole Numbers

  • Unit 2: Estimation and Number Theory

  • Unit 3: Whole Number Multiplication and Division

  • Unit 4: Tables and Line Graphs

  • Unit 5: Data and Probability

  • Unit 6: Fractions and Mixed Numbers

  • Unit 7: Decimals

  • Unit 8: Adding and Subtracting Decimals

  • Unit 9: Angles

  • Unit 10: Perpendicular and Parallel Segments

  • Unit 11: Squares and Rectangles

  • Unit 12: Conversion of Measurements

  • Unit 13: Area and Perimeter

  • Unit 14: Symmetry

  • Unit 15: Tessellations