Math

Math:

Philips Academy uses a curriculum called Eureka Math. This curricular program is used in many schools. However, at Philip’s Academy we understand the importance of adopting any program to fit the needs of our students. We use best practices and adapt Eureka lessons so our mathematicians grow to understand mathematical concepts, rather than regurgitate procedures and steps. Students are taught the importance of tinkering with ideas, representing thoughts through manipulatives and pictures, and engaging in mathematical debates. Our goal is to help our students all feel like they can “do math” and are “math people”. Often times, we hear parents say that they are confused about all the “new math” that is being taught. Rest assured, we will be sending home parent letters and homework helpers to make sure that the language we use at home and at school are consistent.

The large mathematical ideas that will be taught in first grade are:

·         Sums and differences to 10 (knowing our facts automatically)

·         Place value concepts

·         Various addition and subtraction strategies within 120

·         Measurement (length, weight, height)

·         Identifying, composing, partitioning shapes

At the close of each module, we will have a Math Test. We review the material from the module in class, but also encourage students to practice concepts at home. Practice sheets of each unit will be sent home in advance.

I ask for patience and understanding as we work together to teach math. I assure you some of the material will be new to many of us, since math concepts were taught to us differently as children! However, there is a shift in the pedagogy behind teaching mathematics in America because to most of us, mathematics held little meaning or importance in the real world. This shift is important because we want our students to grow up without fear of mathematics and to be able to understand/use math in a flexible way!