Math
Vision
The overall goal of math education at Friends School of Minnesota is to develop mathematically literate students. We hold to the following beliefs:
- Students should come to understand that math is used in everyday situations, and is useful tool to solve real problems.
- Students should enjoy mathematics
- Conceptual understanding is vitally important.
- Students will be encouraged to use multiple strategies to solve problems and will share their strategies with one another.
- Mathematics is often a group process. Students will have frequent opportunities to work together to solve problems cooperatively.
- Students will learn to communicate mathematical ideas, both orally and in writing
- Math should be integrated into other subject areas, in addition to (not in place of) a regular focus on math itself.
- Math should be integrated into the daily routine of the classroom.
- Arithmetic is just one of a number of strands that make up mathematics.
- Our study of math should be broad enough to focus on all the strands included in the NCTM standards.
Linkages
Friends School’s math curriculum reflects the school’s progressive philosophy and quaker traditions. We believe that children should actively engage themselves with their learning to construct knowledge. Lessons are structured to facilitate sharing of ideas through built-in group work and class discussion. Just as we actively engage students in asking questions about topics in social studies or science, we teach math in a way that encourages and rewards children for asking questions. Children are given time to actively explore their ideas using manipulatives, models and other tools. Activities are designed to get students to think critically and creatively about mathematics topics. Students are encouraged to come up with their own unique way of solving problems.
Strategies
The Lower School’s teaching of mathematics is guided by the Mathland curriculum. The mathematical environment in the Lower School encourages students to think, invent, investigate, and make connections. Manipulatives, visuals, discovery learning and models are used to introduce concepts. Teachers ask questions and set up challenges, and then observe, question, and listen as students build meaning for themselves. There is a strong focus on helping children gain confidence in their abilities as mathematical thinkers so that they will take risks and learn to challenge themselves.
NCTM strands are integrated throughout the units of study in kindergarten through fourth grade. These strands include:
- Number relations
- Logic and language
- Probability and statistics
- Patterns and functions
- Data analysis
- Measurement
- Discrete mathematics
- Geometry/Visual thinking
- Algebra
The Middle School’s teaching of mathematics is taught using the MathScape curriculum. MathScape is an integrated math program that explores several different areas of math: number concepts, geometry, statistics and algebra. The Principles and Standards for School Mathematics states that during middle school “many students will solidify conceptions about themselves as learners of mathematics — about their competence, their attitude, and their interest and motivation.” Teachers provide both challenge and support to students in order to foster positive growth and attitudes towards mathematics. Classes are taught with a hands-on approach. Teachers consistently attempt to relate classroom mathematics with real-world applications.
Overview of math scope and sequence and benchmarks