More Than Just Numbers!
 
Math is everywhere and yet, we may not recognize it because it doesn't look like the math we did in school. Several years ago the
word math would conjure up a picture of teachers drilling students with flash cards or assigning one workbook page after another. Educators thought essential math supplies were paper and pencils. There was an emphasis on rote learning.
 
Now the tide has shifted to teacher-directed math activities where manipulatives are used to allow students the opportunity to "act out" math concepts. Children discover the meaning behind the skills taught in their classroom as they investigate relationships and patterns.
 
The curriculum includes a sequenced set of standards K-12 that include (NCTM):
 
• Number Relationships and Computation—Numbers and computation are the heart of
elementary mathematics. Children develop conceptual understanding, procedural proficiency,
and fluency with numbers.
 
From Kindergarten-grade 5 they work with:
o Whole number and computation with whole numbers
o Recall of math facts including multiplication table facts
o Standard algorithms (+, x, -, / ) for computation of whole numbers
o Fractions, decimals, and computation with fractions and decimals
 
• Algebra, Patterns, and Functions—Students generalize the patterns of numbers and
computation using symbols to prepare for algebra and abstract mathematics after elementary
school.
 
• Geometry—Students learn about the properties and relationships of points, lines, angles,
surfaces, and solids. They develop skills and concepts in shape and spatial relationships.
 
• Measurement—Students select appropriate measurement units, tools, and strategies, and use
them to measure. Measurement and geometry provide many connections to real world
applications.
 
• Statistics—Students learn how to collect, organize, describe and analyze data, all important
skills in our data-rich world.
 
• Probability—Children explore the likelihood of events through simple experiments.
 
• Processes of Mathematics—Children develop skills in problem solving, reasoning,
communicating, and making connections.
 
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about what they are learning in school. They can also
support their children by setting aside a place and time for their child to complete assigned homework (FCPS).
 
You can help your child get started on problems by asking :
• Can you describe the problem in your own words?
• What are your ideas so far?
• Does this remind you of any other problems you’ve done?
• Where are you thinking about starting?
• What is the problem asking you to do?
• Would a drawing help?
• For math games — Can you teach me the rules? What strategies are you using?
 
Our goal is to help children develop thinking skills and strategies to enable them to process the math. Empowering these young minds will have a positive impact on their future!
 

Jan Gholston
Math Specialist
 

Math Specialist Schedule:
 
Commonwealth-Mondays and Wednesdays
Meadows-Thursdays and Fridays
 
Contact:
281-634-4743
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

around us sometimes seems invisible. But math is present in our world all the time- in the workplace, in our homes and in life in general. Most parents will agree that it is a wonderful experience to cuddle up with their child and a good book. Few people would say that about flash cards or pages of math problems. For that
reason, this site offers some math activites that are fun and meaninigful!
 
It is important for home and school to join hands. By fostering a positive attitude about math at home, we can help our children learn math at school. How do you feel about math?
 
Your feelings will have an impact on how your children think about math and themselves as mathematicians. Take a few minutes to answer these questions:
 
-Did you like math in school?
-Do you think anyone can learn math?
-Do you think of math as useful in everyday life?
-Do you believe that most jobs today require math skills?
 
If you answer "yes" to most of these questions, then you are probably encouraging your child to think mathematically.
 
Make math meaningful! Make math fun!!!!
 



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Math Specialist Schedule
ME Campus-Mondays and Wednesdays
CWE Campus- Thursdays and Fridays
(Rotate Tuesdays.)
 
Please contact me at Commonwealth, 281-634-5120, or Meadows, 281-634-4720.