LBJA’s Math Curriculum
is comprised of several key elements that work together to develop strong mathematical abilities, along with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Combining the learning of basic mathematics fundamentals goes hand in hand with a strong number sense and deep understanding of numbers.
Math classes are taught using a hands-on approach to instill excitement about discovery and learning. The Math curriculum also includes a comprehensive digital learning environment that allows students to access lesson resources with embedded tutorials and hints. There is homework help online and tutorials and tips for parents. Students also have the opportunity to play online games that correlate to the learning games we use in class. These games allow students to practice what they are learning in a fun, and increasingly challenging way.
The curriculum includes these elements: Core Curriculum centered on Everyday Mathematics 4; our own teacher-developed Problem Solving Exploration Program; Daily Fact Practice; Target Numbers; and Star Work.
At the center of the curriculum is Everyday Mathematics, created by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. LBJA is using the newest version: Everyday Mathematics 4. Everyday Math 4 is based on decades of research and is engineered to make sure that all students have the opportunity to succeed and develop enduring mastery of mathematics. Students make connections between mathematical concepts and experiences in their everyday lives.
Conceptual understanding is built through concrete modeling, strategy development, and mathematical discourse. Everyday Mathematics develops depth of knowledge by building connections among concepts, procedures, and applications. Instruction and practice is strategically distributed in a research-proven design to help students develop enduring mastery and depth of knowledge. Careful learning progressions develop concepts, skills, and applications over time, in new ways, increasing in sophistication, and in a variety of contexts.
The core curriculum is supplemented with materials from Singapore Math and a variety of other programs; as well as materials created by LBJA faculty. As students advance beyond the core curriculum, additional materials are brought in so students can continue learning at an advanced level.
EVERYDAY MATHEMATICS 4: GOALS AND STANDARDS: The newest version of Everyday Math is designed to correlate to the Common Core State Standards for content and practice. In first grade, the content focuses on four critical areas:
1. Understanding addition and subtraction, and strategies for addition and subtraction within 20; 2. Understanding whole number relationships and place value, including grouping in tens and ones; 3. Understanding linear measurement as iterating length units; and 4. Composing and decomposing geometric shapes and reasoning about the attributes of shapes