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Math Program
This year, our class is using the JUMP Math program to support our learning under the Ontario Mathematics Curriculum. JUMP Math is a research-backed program designed to reduce math anxiety by breaking complex concepts down into tiny, step-by-step pieces. By mastering one small skill at a time, every child in our room can build the confidence, resilience, and core problem-solving skills needed to succeed.
Math Strands:
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Skills in Mathematics and the Mathematical Processes
Number
Number Sense
Operations
Algebra
Patterns and Relationships
Equations and Inequalities
Coding
Mathematical Modeling
Data
Data Literacy
Probability
Spatial Sense
Geometric and Spatial Reasoning
Measurement
Financial Literacy
Money and Finances
Problem Solving Model:
When solving word problems and other multi-step problems, it is helpful for students to have a plan to help them tackle the problem step-by-step. Over the years, I have found that the acronym USAJ has been very successful with my junior students. It is very similar in concept to the UPSC (Understand, Plan, Solve and Check) model described in the curriculum.
Understand:
Read the problem carefully, underline or highlight keywords and make a plan.
What do I need to figure out?
What operation/s do I need to use? (add, subtract, multiply, divide)
What strategies will I use to help me solve this problem (number line, T-table, graph, array, standard algorithm, calculator, hands-on manipulatives etc.)
Solve
Solve the problem and show your work.
Did I show how I solved the problem clearly?
Answer
Answer the question with a "therefore" statement.
Did I re-read the problem to remember what I was supposed to be figuring out?
Did I make sure I communicated my answer clearly?
Justify
Check your answer for mistakes and prove you are correct.
Did I double-check my math?
Did I show how to solve the problem in another way?
Did I justify my answer by communicating my thinking clearly?
USAJ can be remembered easily with a mnemonic device such as, "Ugly Sweaters Are Junk."
Student-Led Discourse
Students are encouraged to talk, ask questions and explain their thinking to each other during Math lessons. When discussing the answer to a problem, students compare their answers and work it out together, explaining their strategies and discussing what they did to find a solution. The teacher guides the conversation and supports students in critical thinking and questioning. The teacher is able to clarify key concepts and highlight "aha moments" in student understanding.
This is something we will be working towards in grades 5, as students learn about the routines and expectations in our math classroom.
Math Games
Playing math games is an important part of the mathematics curriculum. Math games can be powerful in helping students achieve automaticity in basic addition, subtraction and multiplication facts. Essential to learning is the talk that surrounds mathematical thinking. Students are encouraged to ask questions, develop strategies, explain their thinking and use hands-on materials to show what they have discovered about number patterns. Math games can help children build number sense, fact fluency, and confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Ongoing Assessment
Students will participate in a variety of different assessments of their progress and understanding in math this year. I will be using short diagnostic assessments at the beginning of each unit for my own purposes to see how to help your child and the class with specific needs. Throughout each unit, I take notes, observe, conference with students, collect work and document how students are doing. Sometimes, during a unit, I will have a quiz to see how students are progressing. At the end of each unit, I will have a more formal culminating assessment in the form of a test, task or performance assessment. I will try my best to always give advanced notice of quizzes and tests.
I will send home graded math quizzes and tests so that you can be aware of your child's progress throughout the year.
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