During our recent Professional Development Friday, our staff came together to discuss the key elements of rigorous math instruction. We believe that a well-rounded math education is built on three essential components: procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, and application.
Procedural fluency involves helping students develop the ability to accurately perform mathematical computations. This means students are able to solve problems quickly and correctly.
Conceptual understanding refers to students’ ability to represent their mathematical thinking using models and drawings. When students can visualize and explain their thought processes, they gain a deeper understanding of math concepts.
Application allows students to use models and procedures to solve real-world problems. It is important that students can apply their learning outside of the classroom to everyday situations.
We are proud to share that our math program, Envision, incorporates these three components every day, ensuring that students are developing both the skills and understanding they need for success.
To further support students in applying their math knowledge, our teachers have been focusing on strategies to help students solve word problems. In all grades, students are learning to identify key words, units, and numbers in word problems to guide their thinking. In addition, teachers have introduced new routines that include rephrasing the problem, reading it multiple times, and working together to determine the meaning. These strategies help students clarify the problem and think critically about how to approach the solution.
Another technique that teachers are using involves encouraging students to "notice and wonder" as they work through problems. This approach helps students engage with the material and think more deeply about the different ways they can solve the problem.
We are excited to see how these strategies are helping our students develop a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of math, and we look forward to continuing to support their learning journey.
We are fortunate to have an amazing counselor, Mrs. Fitch, who works tirelessly to engage all students in important conversations around emotions, feelings, and support systems. This week, Mrs. Fitch has been working with our fifth-grade students to explore the difference between supportive friends and non-supportive individuals.
Together, they brainstormed the key characteristics of those who are supportive versus those who are not. Through thoughtful discussions, students watched videos and analyzed various scenarios where individuals acted as cheerleaders and listeners, or were dismissive and jealous. The class had meaningful conversations about how to identify these traits in real life.
To wrap up the lesson, students used their creativity to design cell phone apps representing their personal support systems. They identified key people in their lives—friends, parents, teachers, and siblings—as individuals who offer encouragement and support when times are tough.
We would like to thank Mrs. Fitch for reminding our students of the important people they can count on, especially during challenging times. Her efforts help our students feel empowered to surround themselves with positive influences.
