Our Programs

Impact of Our Programs

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Impact of Our Programs 〰️

The Why?

A strong foundation in mathematics begins long before students are asked to memorize formulas or follow procedures. Children develop mathematical understanding best when they have opportunities to explore, play, and make sense of mathematics using hands-on experiences. Moving from concrete materials, to pictures and models, and eventually to numbers and symbols helps children understand not just how mathematics works, but why it works. Often times students have limited opportunities in a classroom setting to develop mathematics in the ways described above.

One particularly important foundation is a strong understanding of fractions. Fractions are essential for success in algebra and higher-level mathematics and science. They are also part of everyday life from understanding data and managing money to measuring for a recipe or completing a home project. When children understand fractions conceptually rather than simply memorizing procedures, they are better prepared for future mathematics learning.

The HoW?

Strong mathematics learning requires both understanding and fluency. When children understand mathematical concepts while also developing automatic recall of essential arithmetic facts, they build a stronger foundation for future success in algebra, geometry, and higher-level mathematics.

Effective math instruction connects mental math, prior knowledge, new learning, practice, and review while providing appropriate support and challenge for every learner.

Mathematics is also a language. Children need opportunities to learn mathematical vocabulary, understand how numbers and symbols communicate ideas, and translate between everyday language and mathematical expressions. These skills are especially important when solving word problems, where success depends on understanding the language of the problem as well as knowing how to calculate.

By developing conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and mathematical language together, children become more confident and flexible problem solvers who can make sense of mathematics not simply memorize how to do it.