Let’s Talk About Math! Thank you for coming tonight!

What are my goals for your child this year in mathematics? Mathematical Literacy

Procedural Fluency 

Being able to carry out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately

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Conceptual Understanding 

Understanding concepts, operations, and relationships

Why?

Adaptive Reasoning 

Being able to formulate, represent, and solve mathematical problems

How?

Strategic Competence 

Reflecting, explaining, and justifying

Let’s Talk!

Productive Disposition 

Having positive feelings about mathematics and his/her ability to learn and grow

Mindset

What does mathematics instruction look like in your child’s classroom? A Guided Math Framework

What is guided math? 

Small group instruction based on need

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Flexible/fluid groups

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Ongoing assessment

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Independent practice

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Meaningful whole-group work

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Math talk

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Reflecting learning

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Justifying thinking

Why do I use a guide math framework? 

Differentiated

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Intimate

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Focused and deliberate

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Motivating

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Instills confidence and independence

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Helps develop a growth mindset

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More “bang for your buck”

Math Language in Our Classroom 

Power of ten

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Benchmark or landmark tens

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Strategy

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Visualizing or picturing

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Mistakes are powerful

What tools do we use? 

Unifix cubes

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ten frames

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rekenreks

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base ten tools

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beaded number lines

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open number lines

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place value arrows

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place value dice

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coins

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foam tiles and pattern blocks

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rulers, and MORE!

How can I help my child develop his/her mathematical mind?

Always talk about mathematics in positive ways. 

A child’s self-concept and confidence in mathematics is directly related to his/her parent’s perceptions.

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Communicate a “can do” attitude regardless of your mathematical background and experiences.

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“Success in mathematics, like anything else, comes from hard work and effort.”

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“Math is something everyone can do.”

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“It’s important to do well in mathematics to prepare for the future.”

Find mathematics everywhere. 

Encourage the solving of everyday problems as they arise 

Source: 

Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics (U.S. Department of Education) http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/math/index.html

Talk to your child about mathematics. 

Talk about the ways you use mathematics.

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Talk about mathematics when you are shopping, making decisions, and when you “see” mathematics.

Play games. 

Practice concepts and skills and promote positive parent-child relationships

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Traditional board games

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Online games and apps 

Sources: 

At-home math bags

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District 86 weblinks

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www.parenting.com (search math games)

Support lots of practice at home. 

Encourage your child to do his/her practice

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Give your child feedback about how he/she is doing

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Encourage your child to take action if something is not correct

Constantly ask your child, “Why?” and “How do you know?”. 

Reinforces the importance of understanding and justifying thinking

Provide support when problem solving at home. 

Ask questions to help with problem solving without solving problems yourself.

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Examples: 

What is the problem asking you to find out?

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What does the problem tell you?

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Can you tell me the problem in your own words?

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Is there anything you don’t understand?

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Have you ever worked a problem like this before?

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What will you try first? Next?

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Will it help to draw a picture, use a tool, act it out, etc.?

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What do you estimate the answer will be?

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How do you know if your answer or way of solving is correct?

Help your child develop automatic recall of basic facts. 

Practice with fun games.

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Ask your child to explain strategy used when learning facts. Is he/she using a known fact such as 8+8 to add 7+8, or is he/she using ten to add 9 + 7?

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Eliminate timing or focusing on speed, yet note whether your child is becoming more automatic. This will help you know whether he/she needs more practice.

At-Home Math Bags

Contents 

base ten tools

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place value dice and quiet mat

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deck of number cards

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number words card

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3 six-sided dice

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clear colored counters (2 colors)

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dry erase marker and eraser

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clear page protectors

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problem solving journal

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jumbo paper clip spinners

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gallon baggie for housing games/activities sent home

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additional items will be sent home throughout the year

Procedures 

Goal setting and tracking calendar kept in Muppet Binder

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Suggestions on “My Responsibility” Sheet

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End of month check-ins

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Safe-keeping