Math, Math and More Math!

So often we hear from adults, "I'm not good at math!" or "I just don't like math!" Well at Glenbrook we don't hear that often at all. This year, with the full implementation of Eureka Math and the new and very rigorous Illinois Learning Standards, math is more fun than ever!  

 Even in the very early grades of Kindergarten
and first grade, our students are learning using
hands on and critical thinking skills.  They are making patterns, graphing and using everyday
concepts to learn mathematics.

 Students look at numbers in a variety of ways in order to better understand number concepts.  Here students are comparing and breaking down numbers using number bonds as well as pictures and number sentences. Notice how the addition sentences are sometimes leading with the totals.

Students learn to use a variety of strategies and tools to solve problems in all grade levels. (Yes, sometimes even their body parts!!!)  This practice helps the students to "see" math and conceptualize it rather than just memorize facts without truly understanding the concepts. 

Another important element of math is learning how to "explain your thinking."  With the new standards, students are now required to explain in words how they arrived at their answers.  With the Read, Draw, Write strategy, we are helping students learn how to pick out key words while problem solving prior to answering questions. They also learn how to better explain their thinking in words.

To help students with the Read, Draw, Write and the difficult math concepts, we spend a lot of time with key vocabulary.  Teachers often use picture, language and other  visual supports to help students form a better understanding of these important mathematical terms and expressions.  

 Glenbrook teachers want their students to take part in their learning as much as possible.  Research shows that when students set goals for themselves they are more likely to reach the growth targets.  Here you see how the 5th grade students have set their math goals based on their fall MAP testing. You can see that they know exactly what skills they need to work on, no secrets!