Mathematics Support at Home

During the progress report interviews, many parents mentioned that they see the benefits from the new methods that teachers are using in the mathematics classroom. Many parents replied that they wished that they learned math in this way when he or she was in elementary school. In our classroom, we have a growth mindset approach to learning math. Our students know that anyone can learn and do math with effort and by learning from our mistakes. Since most parents are not aware of how math is presently taught, I have outlined my approach, as well as some resources that will assist you as you support your child at home.

Dear parents,

Have you noticed that your child has been showing more enthusiasm, confidence and a positive mindset toward mathematics? When you ask your child about what they learned in school today, are they speaking about their solution to a problem, or perhaps, the many different approaches that they learned from their peers? By taking an inquiry based learning approach to mathematics, our students have been given opportunities to demonstrate their creativity, use their own ideas/knowledge and they are actively engaged in their learning.

Inquiry based learning is not teaching about how to use a specific procedure to solve a problem, then asking all students to mimic the same strategy to find the answer. However, an inquiry based approach allows:

• students to use their own ideas and combine their knowledge of mathematical methods and procedures to solve problems
• opportunities for students to think critically and creatively in a collaborative setting to deepen their understanding of math
• communication and math vocabulary to resonate between students and the teacher
• a realization that there can be many solutions to a problem and they can discover new pathways from their peers, instead of one fixed methodology
• problems that are visual to create interest, curiosity and get all students thinking

When students discuss their ideas in a safe classroom environment, they are more willing to take risks and learn from each other’s errors. As previously discussed, we will continue to have several positive growth mindset lessons in our class and praise your child for contributing his/her thinking. By encouraging student thinking toward mathematics in this manner, your child will gain confidence and be more prepared to solve real-life problems that are relevant in today’s world. Here is a few resources that can assist you at home:

"Doing Mathematics with Your Child K-6"

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentGuideNumEn.pdf

"Inspiring Your Child to Learn and Love Math"

http://www.ontariodirectors.ca/parent_engagement-math/en/index.htm

Using Manipulatives in the Classroom by Marilyn Burns
http://mathsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/1996_Hands_on_Help.pdf

Online Math Games

www.tvokids.com

Several parents have mentioned that they would like more opportunities to practice word problems at home. I am revising our "problem of the week" activities and I will begin to integrate these tasks into weekly homework.

Thank you for your support!

Mr. Blais