Welcome to Coffee and Conversation
March 13, 2015
Please Sign In
Make a Name Tag
Grab a cup of coffee and a treat

Today’s Mathematics Instruction
A Guide for Parent’s to Foster a Better Understanding
Travilah Elementary
Mrs. Shenk, Ms. Shapiro, Mrs. Rubenstein
March 13, 2015

Today’s Math Instruction
 Why does mathematics instruction look
different from what I remember?
 What are the key shifts in mathematics
instruction?
 What does mathematics instruction look
like in today’s classroom?
New Math Goals

Develop students who value mathematics and see it as useful for solving
problems and making sense of the world.

Engage all students in experiences with math content and processes that
help them reach proficiency.

Ensure all students master the knowledge, skills and understanding
necessary to be college and career ready by graduation.

Prepare student with the desire and skills necessary to have the
opportunity to take Advanced Placement or other college level math
courses in high school.
Greater Focus on Fewer Topics
 No more racing to cover many topics in a mile-wide inch
deep curriculum.
 More time and energy spent in narrowing and deepening the
focus on topics being taught at each grade level.
 Resulting in strong foundations, solid understanding of
concepts, higher degree of procedural skills and fluency, and
the ability to apply the math to solve problems inside and
outside the classroom.
Break Down by Grades
Grades
Major Topics
K-2
Concepts, skill, and problem solving related to addition and
subtraction
3-5
Concepts, skill, and problem solving related to multiplication and
division of whole numbers and fractions.
6
Ratios and proportional relationships, early algebraic expressions
and equations
7
Ratios and proportional relationships, and arithmetic of rational
numbers
8
Linear algebra and linear functions
Coherence
Linking Topics and Thinking Across Grades
 Mathematics is a coherent body of knowledge made
up of interconnected concepts.
 Standards are designed around coherent progressions
from grade to grade.
 Learning is carefully connected across grades so that
students can build new understanding on to
foundations built in previous years.
CCSS Strand Comparison
Final Common
Core Standards
Percent of Content
Number
Algebra
Geometry
Measurement
Statistics
Probability
Rigor
Deep and authentic command of mathematical concepts, not
making math harder or introducing topics at earlier grades.
Teachers will pursue 3 major aspects of rigor with equal intensity.
 Conceptual understanding
 Procedural skills and fluency
 Application
Effective Math Instruction at Travilah

What does mathematics instruction
look like and sound like in today’s
classroom?
Going Deep in Mathematics
2.0 Curriculum and CCSS
Comprehending
Concepts, Operations, &
Relations
Understanding
Seeing math as
sensible, useful, and
doable
Carrying out
procedures
Computing
Engaging
Applying
Reasoning
Formulating and solving mathematical problems
Using logic to explain a solution
What does this mean in the classroom?
Experience an example of developing deep
understanding of a mathematics concept . . .
REMEMBER, as you try this example, feel free to talk with your
neighbors!
Begin Here…
I made three cakes for a party. My family ate half of one
cake without asking me. I want to give 1/4 of a cake to my
guests to take home. How many guests will be able to take
home 1/4 of a cake?
Solve this problem using pictures, manipulatives, number
lines etc.
Next we go to…
Can you see the connection with a fraction
division problem?
2 
1
2
1
4
How would you solve or interpret this
division problem?
Why does the algorithm work?
2 
1
2
1
4
How many fourths are in 2 12 ?
1
4
1
2
of what number is 2 ?
Understanding the Relationship Between
Multiplication and Division
• There are
two fives
in ten
• How many
fives are in
ten?
• There are
five twos
in ten
2×5=10
5×2=10
10÷5=2
10÷2=5
• How many
twos are in
ten?
Why does the algorithm work?
A Deep Understanding of the Relationship Between
Multiplication and Division Shows us Why the Algorithm Works.
• There are
two fives
in ten
• How many
fives are in
ten?
• There are
five twos
in ten
2×5=10
5×2=10
10÷5=2
10÷2=5
• How many
twos are in
ten?
2 
1
2
1
4
Going Deeper
“I understand not only how and when
to use an algorithm; I know why the
algorithm is the most efficient way
to solve a problem – and I can
explain why!”
How can parents help?
 Here’s what you can do at home to support your
child with deeper mathematical thinking.
Instill a Love of Math

Early Math Matters

Avoid talking negatively about math

Play games

Use technology

Flexing Math muscles

Stay informed

Work together as team with your child-don’t show them how to do it
Remember, mathematics is important, and we all can do it.
Try These at Your Home
The six’s Do’s for Families and Their Math Students
 Be positive
 Link mathematics with daily life
 Make mathematics fun
 Learn about mathematics-related careers
 Have high expectations for your children
 Support homework-don’t do it!
Get Ready Get Set to Help!
Resources that will help you build knowledge and keep you
informed to support your child with math thinking and math
homework.
 MCPS Resources for Parents
 Common Core math standards and strategies online resources
 A Parent’s Guide to the Standards for Mathematical Practice
MCPS Resources for Parents
 Parent Guides to the Curriculum
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/elementary/guides.aspx
These guides provide an overview of the grade level program and
explain what your child will be learning in math
 Parent Newsletters
http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/2.0/parent-newsletter.aspx
Two newsletters each marking period skills and concepts students
will be learning, ways to support your child at home and related
on line resources
Common Core Math Standards and
Strategies On Line Resources
On-line resources for parents and students to use at home

Khan Academy

YouTube (short instructional videos)

LearnZillion

On line math dictionaries and virtual manipulatives
See handouts for many more great resources!
Eight Standards for Mathematical Practice
On-Line Student Resources
Here are a couple of our favorites:
 Figure This!
http://www.figurethis.org/fc/family_corner.htm
 Illuminations
http://illuminations.nctm.org
 Wonders of Math
http://math.com/students/wonders.html
 Math Playground
http://mathplayground.com/
Have Some Math Fun!
Take time to Solve a Problem Together!
Questions
Comments
Thoughts