Math Expressions

Math Expressions is the Board-approved K-5 mathematics curriculum for MPS.  The lessons in Math Expressions are aligned and and connected to the Nebraska College and Career Standards for Mathematics and the Nebraska Mathematical Processes.  They are designed to help students build a deeper understanding of important mathematical ideas.  The Nebraska CCR Standards for Mathematics and Math Expressions create high expectations for all learners and helps students become critical thinkers and flexible in solving problems in a collaborative learning environment.  In our classes you will see students working together, communicating and sharing ideas, and developing leadership skills. 

Math Expressions is built upon 5 Core Structures:

Building Concepts: Critical mathematical ideas are identified within each grade level on the Nebraska CCR Standards for Mathematics.  Lessons are designed to teach these concepts in depth with students learning to use a variety of strategies. 

Math Talk: Math Talk allows for teachers to listen to and comprehend student thinking, students to share and learn new strategies with each other and opportunities for errors and misconceptions to be identified and addressed.  Through Math Talk, students are able to agree and disagree with one another in a safe and collaborative environment that fosters creative, flexible and efficient thinking.  

Quick Practice: Quick Practice structures encourage students to demonstrate the ability to follow directions and model reliable and dependable behaviors.  These occur through Daily Routines in Grades K-2 that involve skills such as numbers, time and money.  In Grades 3-5, Quick Practice may involve an introductory skill/problem or a review of previously taught skills.

Homework and Remembering-Your child may bring home work that focuses upon skills learned that day (homework) or work that reviews previously taught material (remembering).    

Student Leaders: All students assume responsibility throughout the year within the math classroom.  Responsibilities are fostered through the engagement of classmates along with utilizing individual talents and skills within the classroom.   Developing leadership roles promotes collaboration and teamwork skills that are essential to becoming college and career ready.  

Helping Community: Everyone within the classroom is a teacher and learner.  Collaboration and peer engagement helps children grow responsibility and respect for others.  As students collaborate in whole-group, small-group and other learning experiences they are able to develop communication skills, strengthen their mathematical reasoning and make connections to real-world scenarios through mathematics.  The practice of developing a helping community within the classroom encourages students to demonstrate the ability to follow directions and model reliable and dependable behaviors through the development of citizenship and personal responsibility.