How mathematics is approached at Wingra

At Wingra, we believe that mathematics is a useful, exciting, and creative area of study that can be appreciated and enjoyed by all students. Wingra teachers work hard to create a classroom environment that provides safe opportunities for risk-taking in mathematics. Students are allowed to explore, to guess, and even to make and correct errors so that they gain confidence in their ability to solve complex problems.

Much of the content outlined in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM, 2000) verifies what has been in place at Wingra School for many years. The NCTM Principles and Standards were developed by mathematicians and math educators to present the best current thinking about school mathematics. Wingra's math program has evolved from goals, assumptions, and strategies very similar to those outlined by this Council.

A developmentally appropriate curriculum encourages the exploration of a wide variety of mathematical ideas in such a way that children retain their enjoyment of and curiosity about mathematics. (NCTM, 1989)

Wingra sees children as active thinkers: they construct, modify, and integrate ideas by interacting with the physical world, materials, and with other children. We make extensive and thoughtful use of manipulatives to foster the learning of abstract ideas. We believe that children of all skill levels can learn from each other and need to work together; we create the time and space for them to share strategies, develop ideas, and model approaches to one another.

Math instruction takes place daily in all Wingra classrooms in individual, small group, and whole class lessons. Math activities are frequently integrated into theme topics. When children relate one mathematical idea to others, and to other areas of the curriculum, they acquire broader insights into the interconnectedness of mathematics and relationship to other fields.

Math program by age group »
What every parent should know about math at Wingra School »

Our approach to progressive education »

Descriptions by subject »
Teaching in themes »
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How we evaluate student progress »

An introduction to our classes »
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