Math
The Mathematics program will emphasize the five strands listed below. Problem solving will be integrated into all five strands. A major focus will be placed on developing operational skills and a wide range of problem solving strategies. It is very important to concentrate on helping students understand certain mathematical concepts. In addition to this understanding students need to learn how to apply mathematical procedures to everyday life and make meaningful connections with the world around. Finally, learning how to communicate their knowledge of concepts, procedures and problem solving strategies will be continuously stressed. We will focus on the following strands. Number Sense and Numeration will be reported on every term.
While 'learning' math, one needs time. Extra time. That extra time allows for a more relaxed approach. Sometimes the problem with Math is the 'sink-or-swim' approach. Concepts may seem like rapid fire and the kids who get it first are the ones who usually get rewarded. So there comes to be a feeling that there are people who can do math and those who aren't math people. Extended amount of time gives teachers/parents/.tutors to explain things. More importantly it gives time for the kids to sit and digest everything that's going on - to review, to do things at a much slower pace. Doing things slower allows kids to get through a lot more. There's a lot more retention, better understanding of the material. It lets the 'teachers' be a little more relaxed. There is the opportunity to play games. Kids can ask any questions they want. The extra time can make math meaningful: to let students see the clear relationship between effort and reward. (thoughts created with the help of the book 'Outliers')
You can be good at math if you are willing to try - it's not ability but rather ATTITUDE.
Math through the year...
The math curriculum is extensive; thus, some concepts may be taught early in the year and not revisited in a formal way for some time. By providing children with many opportunities to revisit concepts, you can enhance learning and encourage children to strengthen their understanding. Incorporating math into daily routines provides children with ongoing support and ways to connect math learning to real-life experiences. Here are some sample activities and how they specifically relate to each strand:
- Practice estimation whenever possible: How many pages do you think are in this book?
- Practice mental math addition and subtraction strategies. Play games where students have to mentally add and subtract to determine what numbers have been called
- Regularly give students a time reference. For example: “We have half an hour for additional game time.”
- Estimate the number of steps to…
- Discuss the capacity of drink containers
- Move around in the yard/park in a patter (hop, hop, skip, and jump)
- Play I Spy for:
- 1. Colour patterns
- 2. Geometric patterns
Data Management and Probability
- Use probability language in everyday discussion. (It probably will rain tonight. We are unlikely to go to school on Saturday.)
- Ask questions about data collected informally. (I wonder why so many people brought umbrellas today.)
- Ask your child to interpret date found in tables, charts or graphs found in newspapers, magazines or the internet.
- Discuss directions to another place in your neighborhood (turn left/right, go straight, go up/down)
- Discuss number and letter grids on (road) maps
Location and Movement
Math Links
- math makes sense
- Sumdog
- Math Makes Sense etext
- SUMS - interactive practice with number sense, shape and space, data handling, trigonometry and algebra
- Nelson (split by units)
Problem of the Week