When In Doubt, Think/Talk/Draw It Out

As mathematicians, we want our students to become confident in their skills so they can apply them to many different situations and be effective problem-solvers.  At Elementary Summer Academy, we are using Math In Focus to support the students with their math thinking.  Although some of the strategies the teachers and students use may seem new, they are proven to help students build on their math knowledge.  Since this is a new curriculum and not everyone may be familiar with it, we are sharing two short clips with some basic information that might help you talk with your child about math and work on it together. 

“Why Singapore Leads the World in Early Mathematics” explains the habits of mind that we are trying to instill in the students: visualization, communication of thinking (through talking or drawing or writing), and making connections with ideas and identifying patterns.  These habits of mind help students not just in math, but in all academic areas.  As Dr. Ban Har Yeap explains, math is just a vehicle for a person’s intellect.  You can encourage this thinking in your child by asking them about what they see in their minds when problem solving, asking them to talk through their thinking with you, or to make a picture of their thinking and problem-solving. 

“Building Ten-Frame Background Knowledge” demonstrates how math is taught on a concrete level using unifix cubes and then becomes pictorial through the use of flashcards.  As parents, you can use some of these same strategies when working with your child at home.  Eventually the students will become more comfortable with abstract thinking by representing these same ideas using numbers and equations in writing and in mental math.  

Number Bond Example

Number Bonds Can Represent Different Operations

We hope these two clips give you a glimpse into ways your child’s teacher is approaching mathematics instruction, and some ideas of how you can help your child at home this summer and throughout the school year.