Mathematics  instruction is delivered as a collaborative effort beginning with hypotheses, modeling of the concepts, and an open sharing of understandings. 

 

   and through the promotion of vigorous expression and debates.  Learners are      encouraged to demonstrate their math facility within their group and during full  class instruction, occasionally  creating a video lesson to use for future reference. 

         A recent strategy that we've added to our classroom has been the use of Play-Doh for use  as a visualization tool...to bring an abstract concept within the realm of the concrete.  So...while studying multiplication or division with fractions, students might construct this:

 

 

                                   
                                               

                                                                             Dividing Numbers with Play-Doh

 

         Initially, we will be reviewing and enhancing student knowledge of higher order place values (billions, millions, hundred thousands...), estimation and approximation, and, multiples and factors.

       As the year progresses, units of instruction in this classroom become more complex, with fractions, ratios, probability, graphing, decimals, and using this knowledge to attempt real-life application of mathematical principles in areas such as science, engineering, architecture, and robotics.