The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics developed standards for teaching mathematics to enable children to learn to think mathematically and to develop skills that are useful in daily life. The following outcomes of the NCTM standards are the basis of the math curriculum at the Fayerweather Street School. Students will:

• Learn to value mathematics.
• Gain confidence in their abilities.
• Become problem solvers.
• Learn to communicate mathematically.
• Learn to reason mathematically.

In order to support these goals, we are using a curriculum developed by TERC called Investigations. The Investigations units we use will cover the following topics for both third and fourth graders:

• Multiplication and Division
• Data and Graphing
• Addition and Subtraction
• Measurement
• Fractions
• Geometry

While exploring the topics covered by the Investigations curriculum, students will:

• Look for and find more than one strategy to solve a problem.
• Develop their own strategies rather than relying solely on memorized algorithms.
• Express their mathematical thinking through drawing, writing, and talking.
• Work individually, in pairs, in small groups, and as a whole class.

We also supplement the Investigations work to provide challenges and practice as needed. Children are expected to become fluent in basic number facts through games and practice provided both in class and at home. Third graders need to learn addition and subtraction facts for numbers up to 20. Fourth graders need to learn multiplication facts up to 10x10. When children finish their daily work quickly, they have a variety of challenges available to choose from.

Grade Level Groups
New concepts are presented and explored. These groups meet four times a week for about an hour. Students work cooperatively to develop a strong sense of number, moving from the concrete to the abstract by using manipulatives, pictorial/graphic representations, and number sentences to work out their ideas.

Ten Minute Math
Throughout the week, mathematical questions arise from other parts of the curriculum. Mathematical questions may also be posed by teachers and students. For example, we may estimate, practice telling time, measure, do mental calculations, or make a quick graph as needed.

Folder Work
Each week students receive math work in their folder. This work is a continuation of our group work. This work ranges from practice and reinforcement to extensions of concepts and challenges.

Homework
Weekly assignments are usually related to our group work. Students will also benefit from opportunities to practice everyday math at home. It is a great opportunity to engage them whenever your family uses math in your daily lives. To help children become fluent in math facts, frequent and short sessions of practice are best. Five minutes of skip counting or saying the facts while riding in the car or walking is one way to practice. We will also be sending home a variety of math games to make practicing more fun. Your family is welcome to create some of your own games