K-5 Mathematics

Math Expressions has carefully designed classroom environments for learning specific concepts. In kindergarten and early first grade these involve manipulatives that children move to make numbers or relationships. There are some manipulatives for every grade. Children describe what they see, compare and contrast what they and others make, and learn vocabulary and concepts as they interact with this manipulative learning environment. Children also make math drawings at all grade levels, often using the special large MathBoards that contain specific grade-level learning supports. If schools have to do some or all teaching remotely during the 2020/21 school year, we need to have digital versions of these learning environments in which children can move and make things and draw. As in the classroom, the teacher needs to see what all children are making so that feedback is possible, and the teacher can select examples to discuss with all children. Supporting teachers as much as possible to orchestrate a Nurturing Math Talk Community in the classroom is vital for student and teacher emotional and conceptual functioning. The need for interactive digital manipulatives is increased by concerns about children sharing any materials in the classroom including those manipulatives used for the Daily Routines and Quick Practices.

Fuson, Kiebler, & Decker

Interactive Digital Learning Environments for Covid Remote Teaching 2020-21