Mathematics
Willowwind uses Math in Focus, a Singapore-based approach to teaching math. This curriculum academically engages students with topics while allowing them to gain a deep understanding of math concepts. By teaching fewer topics in greater depth at each grade level and by using visual representations and modeling strategies, Math in Focus emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding, place value, and computational fluency. This curriculum will help ensure that our students are:
If you would like to read more about the benefits of Math in Focus, please check out the following links:
- engaged with mastery level experiences;
- improving computational and problem-solving skills;
- prepared for Algebra.
If you would like to read more about the benefits of Math in Focus, please check out the following links:
Flipped Math Instruction
What is a flipped classroom? In the flipped classroom model, direct instruction “lectures” take place at home via vodcasting, while the practice problems that used to be homework are now done in class. Please see this introductory video to understand how the model works.
How does it work? Students watch the assigned 10-15 minute vodcast at home and complete the sample problems at the end of the video (total time: approximately 20 minutes per night). Vodcasts are created by me, published on a YouTube channel (WolvesMath) and at the Wolves' Google Classroom, and can be viewed from any internet-capable device. The next day, I review the concepts with the group, answer questions and clarify areas of confusion, and help students to apply the learned concepts to more challenging practice problems.
Essentially, what used to be the introductory in-class work (the lecture/direct instruction) is now homework; what used to be homework (those (sometimes aggravating!) Extra Practice packets), is now done at school. Parts of the guided practice, workbooks and section reviews, and direct instruction to extend ideas presented in the introductory video lessons will be presented in the classroom. |
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What schedule can you expect?
You can expect your child to have a math video most Monday - Thursday evenings. All videos can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/user/WolvesMath, as well as under the Curriculum - Math tab at the top of this website. If your child is unsure of which video to watch, go to the Calendar page and refer to the Wolves Homework Calendar. Clicking on the correct math level on a given day will open a pop up window with a link to the homework video for that night.
I rarely assign homework over the weekend (FYI: homework notes will be posted next week). Math is no exception, meaning that students will not come to school Monday with new material to practice. We reserve Mondays for review of concepts from the prior week, if needed, or to study logic.
Wait...Logic?!?
Yes, logic! Logic is a language of mathematics. Mathematics explores the relationships among statements and which statements imply other statements. This is logic! When students study logical principles alongside math, it strengthens their reasoning skills and builds their problem solving brain muscles. We complete many puzzles that do not, on the surface, resemble traditional mathematics. However, in working these puzzles, we are practicing skills that we harness in learning more traditional mathematical material. The second half of Fifth Grade and nearly all of Sixth Grade math moves beyond learning computation and into exploring relationships between numbers. Logic training helps us to do this more successfully. Plus...it is fun!
You can expect your child to have a math video most Monday - Thursday evenings. All videos can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/user/WolvesMath, as well as under the Curriculum - Math tab at the top of this website. If your child is unsure of which video to watch, go to the Calendar page and refer to the Wolves Homework Calendar. Clicking on the correct math level on a given day will open a pop up window with a link to the homework video for that night.
I rarely assign homework over the weekend (FYI: homework notes will be posted next week). Math is no exception, meaning that students will not come to school Monday with new material to practice. We reserve Mondays for review of concepts from the prior week, if needed, or to study logic.
Wait...Logic?!?
Yes, logic! Logic is a language of mathematics. Mathematics explores the relationships among statements and which statements imply other statements. This is logic! When students study logical principles alongside math, it strengthens their reasoning skills and builds their problem solving brain muscles. We complete many puzzles that do not, on the surface, resemble traditional mathematics. However, in working these puzzles, we are practicing skills that we harness in learning more traditional mathematical material. The second half of Fifth Grade and nearly all of Sixth Grade math moves beyond learning computation and into exploring relationships between numbers. Logic training helps us to do this more successfully. Plus...it is fun!
Why Flip? Flipping instruction leverages learning in the classroom. With three math groups to teach, flipping instruction gives me more time to interact meaningfully with students and immediately address areas of confusion in a personalized way. I will be available to students during independent work time in a way I could not be before. It focuses the time students spend with me on application and deep understanding of new ideas. It also provides me with the opportunity to closely monitor student practice work. We’ve all heard the maxim that practice makes perfect; this is only somewhat true. Perfect practice makes perfect. With flipped instruction, I am able to immediately correct errors in understanding and help students to practice perfectly.
Flipping also reduces homework pressure on families. Essentially, you get to take the teacher home for math homework! If your child doesn’t understand a concept, you can be assured that it will be reviewed and the practice problems completed at school. |
For parents who want to be deeply involved in their child’s math learning, you are able to closely follow along with them. Additionally, the lecture vodcast can be viewed repeatedly, if needed. There is in infinite ability to relearn and review the material!
Finally, flipping increases the ability of students to work at their own pace. Those that have fast math brains are able to work quickly; those that need more time to process math ideas can move at a pace that allows them to absorb the material.
Finally, flipping increases the ability of students to work at their own pace. Those that have fast math brains are able to work quickly; those that need more time to process math ideas can move at a pace that allows them to absorb the material.
Educational Technology Integration expert Joyce Aarsvold addresses common concerns and myths about the flipped classroom in her blog. She explains the flipped classroom as follows:
The Flipped Classroom is NOT:
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The Flipped Classroom IS:
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