We have turned our clocks
back an hour which is usually a signal that reminds us of winter coming
soon. This afternoon, I found myself
walking outside on a sunny 60 degree November day . . . unbelievable! While I do love a crisp winter day with new
fallen snow, I’ll have to admit that I welcome another week or two of this
balmy weather.
During our professional
development workshop in October, we spent two days with our math
consultant. She planned with grade level
teachers, demonstrated math strategies in the classroom as we observed, and
introduced parents to Singapore Math In
Focus. I hope those of you who
attended math night found it to deepen your understanding of the program.
I’ve had the opportunity to
observe math lessons and talk with teachers about their experiences, and the
overwhelming response has been positive.
Teachers are seeing students dig deeper into understanding concepts,
demonstrate their thinking using concrete and abstract examples, and express
enjoyment for math. The other day, a
third grade teacher noted that her students have a stronger ‘math mindset’ than
she’s seen in years past. As I reflected
on her comments, I thought I’d share my ideas about how you, as parents, might
cultivate a ‘math mindset’ in your children.
First, the messages we share
with children have an impact on how they view learning and the importance of an
area of study. Remind children that math
is important and all around us. Talk
about ways in which math is a communication tool . . . for example, we use
numbers to order something, pay for groceries, share a recipe with a friend,
and give directions. Make a connection
through metaphors - Math is like riding a bike – in order to get better at it,
you have to practice and stumble along the way.
Second, model math at
home! Use the language of math in
everyday conversation . . . read the sports trivia from the paper, ask your
child to help with measuring while baking, give allowance and add the money your
child saves, estimate the number of steps it takes to walk across the lawn,
point out the number of pages you read together, and read the time on a clock
when he/she is going to bed.
Third, read math
books/literature together. If you need
ideas about good children’s books that have a math theme, come to our library
and talk with Mrs. Jones or Mrs. Kulick.
Fourth, play math games at
home. Fun board games that have a math
theme include Mancala, Rummy, BrainQuest, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Cards, and
Concentration. Board games are super fun
for family time! Computer apps are
plentiful for practicing math facts and problem-solving activities.
Fifth, support your child
with his/her math homework. Remember
that your child’s homework is based on a concept or skill that he/she learned
at school. The homework is for
independent practice and is used by teachers to inform their knowledge of your
child as well as guide their teaching.
Show an interest in math homework, ask quetions and encourage your child
to ‘think aloud’ when challenges are encountered.
Research is teaching us about
the importance of having a ‘growth mindset’ and the how critical this is to
developing confidence. Let’s work
together to empower our children to develop a ‘math mindset’.
Enjoy the remainder of fall
and the upcoming holiday season,
Peg
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