“The beauty in mathematics can be found in the process of deriving elegant and succinct approaches to resolving problems. Other times, messy problems and seeming chaos may culminate in beautiful, sometimes surprising, results that are both simple and generalizable. Most important, the beauty of mathematics is experienced when exciting breakthroughs in problem solving are made and an air of relief and awe is enjoyed. The two aspects of mathematics, aesthetics and application, are deeply interconnected.” (Ontario Curriculum, 2020)
At YRDSB: Students will be confident problem solvers who use mathematical knowledge, skills and processes to be contributing members of a changing society.
To support the learning and teaching of math, we have developed a board-wide Math Strategy. Math success for all students requires a strong partnership between home and school. That’s why we are committed to providing parents with the support they need to support the mathematical thinking of their child.
What is my child learning?
Monthly Math Newsletter
Check out our monthly math newsletter for tips, resources and more to support math learning.
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May 2025 - Selecting Strategies
Math NewsletterWhen you face a problem or a challenge, there are different ways to solve it. These different ways are called “strategies.” Just like having a toolbox with different tools for different tasks, having a variety of strategies can help you tackle different problems.
Here are some strategies students use in the classroom:
Math Problem of the Month
Here is the current math problem of the month as well as the previous month's problem with a solution and extension question.
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Problem of the Month - May
Math ProblemsA bag contains 5 blue blocks, 7 green blocks, and 6 red blocks. Blocks are selected randomly, one at a time, from the bag. What is the minimum number of blocks that need to be removed from the bag to be certain that there are three that are the same colour?
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Problem of the Month - April 2025
Math ProblemsYou have a 7 minute and a 4 minute hourglass timer. How would you use these to measure 9 minutes?
Solution
Flip the 7 minute and 4 minute timer at the same time. When the 4 is done, flip it again. When the 7 minute timer is done, flip it again. When the 4 minute is done, flip the 7 minute timer. When the 7 minute timer is done, 9 minutes will have passed from the first time the timers were flipped.