Math

"Learning mathematics results in more than a mastery of basic skills... Mathematical structures, operations, processes, and language provide students with a framework and tools for reasoning, justifying conclusions, and expressing ideas clearly."

- The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8, Mathematics (2005)

Math Program

We will be following the newly revised Ontario Mathematics Curriculum. In addition to lots of fantastic resources, we will be using a Math program purchased by the Ottawa Catholic School Board to help facilitate continued growth and improvement in the teaching and learning of Mathematics. This program is called MathUP.

Knowledgehook and Mathletics (accessible at home)

Knowledgehook and Mathletics are both captivating online math learning spaces providing students with all the tools they need to be successful learners. Aligned to provincial math curricula, matched with dynamic tools and reporting for teachers, both Knowledgehook and Mathletics support a blend of student-driven learning and teacher-led instruction. Teachers can assign tasks to help assess student performance, diagnose areas of improvement, and set targeted curriculum activities to address learning gaps. These will be another excellent resources for families wanting to support their child's learning at home with extra practice.

Students can access their Mathletics accounts through the Student Portal.

Students can access their Knowledgehook account through their Math Workspace.

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.