March 2023 - Spatial Sense in the Curriculum
If you look at the new math curriculum - you may think geometry and measurement are missing, but they are actually now grouped together in Spatial Sense. These areas are combined to emphasize the relationship between geometry and measurement and to highlight the role of spatial reasoning in the development of both.
February 2023 - It’s Cold. Let’s Talk About Integers
Any one of the numbers …, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, …. Integers are the entire set of whole numbers and their opposites (negative numbers).
Although not formally introduced until grade 6, children are exposed to positive and negative numbers in their everyday lives, even at a young age. The winter months offer lots of possibilities to help children understand integers as the temperatures often dip below 0. This provides great opportunities to discuss negative numbers in a context that is meaningful and relevant during everyday routines like getting ready for school.
January 2023 - Supporting Algebra at Home
What is Algebra?
Algebra involves using symbols to create mathematical expressions that represent problems and solving those problems through manipulation of the expressions.
December 2022 - The What and Why of Number Sense
It is important for children to develop number sense as they move through the grades. This simply means that children develop the ability to understand numbers, number relationships, and can use this understanding to solve mathematical problems.
November 2022 - Looking for Online Math Supports
Looking for more math supports at home? Try out these sites:
TVO Mathify
TVO Mathify offers free 1:1 on-line tutoring for students in grade 4 to 11 with Ontario Certified Teachers. Hours of operation vary throughout the week, but are clearly posted on the website.
October 2022 - We Are All Mathematicians
If we want children to see themselves as mathematicians, we need to disrupt stereotypes and help children to understand that we are all mathematicians.
Mathematicians are people who:
September 2022 - What is My Child Learning in Mathematics?
The Ontario Mathematics Curriculum focuses on fundamental mathematics concepts and skills, as well as on making connections between related math concepts, between mathematics and other disciplines, and between mathematics and everyday life.
The curriculum is organized into six strands:
June 2022 - Math Outdoors
In our everyday life, even if we are not always consciously aware of it, we are using math to understand and make sense of the world. This is especially true when we are engaging in tasks outdoors. Exploring the outdoors, whether in a forest or in a busy downtown core, offers a wealth of mathematical learning opportunities. This summer, take the time to discover the different and exciting math in your community and beyond.
Primary Tasks:
May 2022 - Spatial Reasoning
Do you know that working on your Spatial Reasoning actually helps develop stronger number sense and overall mathematical understanding?
“Research on spatial reasoning substantiates the critical importance of spatial reasoning abilities in geometry, measurement and problem solving both early in students’ mathematics experiences as well as later in high school and beyond, especially in STEM areas” (Shumway, 2013, p. 50).
So, what exactly do we mean by spatial reasoning?
April 2022 - Math Facts and Fluency
Number sense is an important part of mathematics learning, and is essential to our daily lives. Educators often say that they want students to have automaticity with their math facts, but what do they mean by this?