The Mathscape curriculum has been used in our 7th. and 8th. grade classrooms for the past six years.  It will continue to be the math curriculum for the next five years

2. Is there a website which corresponds with the math books?

 The Mathscape curriculum (Grades 6 – 8) is published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.  Their url is:  www.glencoe.com/sec

Everyday Math curriculum (K – 5) is published by the Wright Group/McGraw-Hill.  Their url is:  www.WrightGroup.com

3. If the children learn in groups, how do you know if the child on an individual basis understands the concept before a test?

There are many different ways in which teachers access student learning during group work.  They walk around and observe, use individual white boards for responses, and complete other non-test assessments.

4. My only concern is the concept of moving around (spiraling) and not mastering concepts.

We truly believe that when concepts are re-visited and constantly reviewed and retaught that the information will “stick” with our students.  Research proves this to be true.

5. How can I get my child more interested in school?  Math is really a problem.

We hope that through the use of hands-on activities, math games, and constant review, it will make it easier, fun, and interesting to all students.

6. Are Asia and Europe using standards-based math?

Yes, they are using a standards-based curriculum.  They may not call it this, but that is what they use.

7. What other games can I play with my Kindergarten child.  He is only 6 and I think some of these games are hard for him at least that’s what he tells me.  He will not play them with me.  How can I get him to play them?  He says, “I have to play them in school.  I don’t want to play them at home.”

Try to find another avenue to review math skills such as technology, simple dice games or flash cards.  Please do not pressure or push your Kindergarten child!  This is a time to leave to love mathematics.

8. I have concerns with the kids needing to write numbers at different phases and having to recognize them without having been taught how to write them.  I enjoyed this evening!  Thank you!

At this point during the year, Kindergarten students have been taught how to form the numbers.  Recognizing and writing numbers is an ongoing review and assessment tool.

9. Is there any way that all the new math terminology can be provided for the parents?  Now that all math has been rephrased it becomes very confusing.

We are in the process of developing a glossary of terms for parents.  Very good idea!

10. What is a decimeter?  This was a question on my son’s homework about 2 months ago and I have been unable to find the answer in any literature I have.  We used an educated guess – but didn’t know if it was right.  

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August 16, 2008