Why we do things the way we do
Spiral - or Spaced - Practice
FAQ regarding group work
Kagan's Research (cooperative learning guru)
Achievement results before and after cooperative learning (in math settings)
FAQ regarding group work
Kagan's Research (cooperative learning guru)
Achievement results before and after cooperative learning (in math settings)
Mastery takes time.
Remember this as you're looking for ways to support your child. It's OK to make mistakes! That's part of the learning process and we encourage it. In fact, if your child isn't making mistakes, then we're not teaching them anything; only having them do things they already know. Think back to when your child learned to walk and talk. Did they do things perfectly the first time? No! Think back to a time when you had to learn something new: driving a car as a teenager, learning a foreign language, learning a new skill at work. Did you make mistakes? You betcha! Your children will do the same thing in math class-make mistakes and learn from them. There are some great articles summarizing research on this very concept. You can also read our info on having a Growth Mindset and the role this plays in learning mathematics or read a great article on How Not to Praise Your Child, encouraging mistakes and learning.
Mastery takes effort.
Teachers and students must put effort into the teaching and learning process. We can assure you that our classroom time is planned to be effective and productive. We spend hours planning and designing activities that will inspire and stretch your child. Students who are active learners who develop good work habits, discourse skills, and participate in the activities that teachers plan do better in school emotionally and academically.
Mastery takes support.
There are a number of ways we, as teachers, support your child. Numerous resources and important pieces of information are available on our website. We send out announcements with important information you need to know as a parent~please read them when you see them! We have some support classes built into our schedule and if you feel like your child is in need of more intensive support, please talk to his/her teacher.
You can support your child at home in a number of ways. We recommend starting with organization. Without an organization strategy, homework gets lost, assignments get misplaced, papers get crinkled, and important dates are forgotten. Create a system with your child that works for you both. Here are the ABCs of Organization. Along with organization, it's important to have the right supplies for class. Check with your child frequently to see if anything needs to be replenished.
You can support your child at home in a number of ways. We recommend starting with organization. Without an organization strategy, homework gets lost, assignments get misplaced, papers get crinkled, and important dates are forgotten. Create a system with your child that works for you both. Here are the ABCs of Organization. Along with organization, it's important to have the right supplies for class. Check with your child frequently to see if anything needs to be replenished.