Math at Key! Where Mathe-Magicians Work Their Magic
At Key, we believe in the power of the problem solver. Math is not just an answer (although there is one) solved through multiple steps. Math is a puzzle that needs to be put together … a riddle that needs to be solved … a project that needs to be built.
We ask the question … Does it make sense?
Math is a journey. The productive struggle is real. The logic and reasoning used to solve the puzzle (the math equation) can broaden a child’s scope of how to solve any problem … and give them a sense of accomplishment and confidence too!
Numbers are no longer just one thing. They can be broken down and put back together in different ways to find what you’re looking for. Ten is not just “10” — it is 4 and 6 … 3 less than 13 … 5 groups of 2 … and it is a part of 100. There are endless possibilities!
Once students learn to explore numbers and manipulate simple equations, they become more open-minded as they encounter the more complex, multistep problems they encounter in the upper grades. They are taught why things work. They learn the meaning behind the processes that we as adults simply accepted long, long ago. They understand what are we doing when we “carry the one.” They are shown. Ask your 4th or 5th graders to show you how and why long division works!
Our Spellbook
Key Elementary School follows the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. In 2016, DCPS purchased the Eureka Math curriculum, also known as EngageNY (engageny.org) to support the delivery of the standards. Developed by Great Minds, it is the most widely used math curriculum in the United States. At Key, we use the Eureka curriculum in grades K–5, as well as additional supplemental curriculum and materials, to guide our instruction.
Links to important spells …*
Eureka Math: www.greatminds.org
Online blended learning (supporting Eureka):
www.zearn.org
www.happynumbers.com
Number sense and fluency:
www.reflexmath.com
www.xtramath.com
www.mobymax.com
Enrichment:
Contexts for Learning Mathematics
*Thank you to our generous PTO for the purchase of some of these licenses and materials!
How can I support my child at home?
Thank you for your investment in your child’s continued learning at home! Following is our list of parent support websites and materials, and here is the handout from Math Night. Please see your child’s teacher for Homework Helpers and additional specific support that you can provide.
Great Minds Parent Resources greatminds.org/math/parents
Create a Parent Account Here greatminds.org/resources/signup
Parent Tip Sheets (English) greatminds.org/resources/products/group/parent-tip-sheets-4d7503e3-3fd7-4ef4-9f29-4332bcf469bd
Parent Tip Sheets (Spanish) greatminds.org/resources/products/group/consejos-para-padres
Yearlong Roadmaps by Grade greatminds.org/resources/products/group/grade-roadmaps
Master Magicians
Kelly Penfield, Assistant Principal of Math
Diana Moroney, Math Teacher Leader and Interventionist, Math Team Co-chair
Amy Ward, Kindergarten, Math Team Co-chair