Curriculum - Mathematics

The Lower School mathematics program presents students with a variety of experiences while following a developmental continuum. Teachers make use of this continuum through concrete, symbolic and abstract activities to reach students at all levels of development. Students are first given the opportunity to explore concrete mathematical concepts through tactile and free investigation with manipulative objects. Manipulative experiences are linked to practice of math skills. Mastery is a goal for each student.

Our mathematics teachers focus on enabling students to construct their own solid conceptual foundations in three areas of mathematics – computation, logic and spatial reasoning. At all levels, students discover rather than memorize mathematical relationships. Real understanding occurs when students learn through their own investigation. Strategies invented by students to solve problems in class form the basis of this understanding.

In accordance with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics, we place great importance on developing the written and oral communication skills of our students. We are primarily interested in improving their ability to think clearly; we believe that if students are able to express their thoughts, their understanding and retention of concepts will increase. In all aspects of our math program, we encourage communication through exploring, investigating, describing and explaining mathematical ideas.

Likewise, we feel that when children cooperate with peers they have the opportunity to express their strategies for problem solving, hear and respect other points of view, and increase their collaborative skills. Throughout our math program, the children are encouraged to work together to solve problems designed to link conceptual and procedural knowledge.

Efforts are made to offer real world experiences, relating math to the wide variety of interests and occupations that rely on mathematical knowledge. We feel that it is essential to emphasize the intercurricular links among all subjects. Math topics are frequently related to studies in science, literature, social studies and the arts.