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.
Math instruction takes place daily in all Wingra classrooms in individual,
small group, and whole class lessons. Math activities arealso 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.
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.
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 program by age group »
What every parent should know about
math at Wingra School »
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Our
approach to progressive education »
Descriptions
by subject »
Teaching in themes »
Independent projects »
How
we evaluate student progress »
An
introduction to our classes »
Meet our staff »
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