Math Newsletter

May 2023 - Geometry, Measurement and the Circle!

The circle is an important shape with interesting geometric properties.  It is often one of the first shapes young children learn about as they begin to inquire about the different two-dimensional shapes in their environment.  As children get older, they begin to sort and classify shapes by their properties which leads to some important mathematical discoveries about the circle and a very special number that we call pi.  In the intermediate grades, students learn to identify the properties of circles and develop an understanding of pi and its relation to a circle.

Math Newsletter

April 2023 - Number Sense, It’s More Than Just Memorizing Facts

Developing number sense and automaticity begins with building conceptual understanding of number and quantity.  It is essential that students understand that math is verb based and not a noun.  The action of joining and combining  bridges to additive thinking, while removing a part of a set leads to an understanding of subtraction.  These are important first experiences we want students to engage with prior to memorizing basic facts.

Math Newsletter

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. 

Math Newsletter

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.  

Math Newsletter

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:

Math Newsletter