Teaching and Learning Mathematics Through

Inquiry and Problem Solving

Joshua Lerner, NBCTSponsored by PAC/BAC

Goals● Understand a vision for math instruction that uses problem solving as the

foundation for developing conceptual understanding

● Learn the most important math topics at each grade level

● Explore some examples of curricula and materials used at Peirce

● See examples of math instruction around school

● Leave with a few tips and resources for helping your child at home

The Post-It Note Problem Norms for Classroom Visits● Choose one room to observe.● 10 minutes● Just observe. Please do not interact

with teachers or students.● No pictures, please. ● Keep in mind that each classroom is

unique and will look different.

K and 1st101 110 103 105

2nd223 224 225 228

3rd322 323 325

4th and 5th204 208 202

Reflecting on Classroom Visits Materials & Practices that Support Problem Solving

● Curriculum○ Japan Math○ Sansu Math○ Adapting curricula

● Math notebooks● Sharing of student methods● Class discussion● Manipulative kits● Practice to develop fluency● Games/activities for number sense● ST Math

1st Grade 3rd Grade

5th Grade Kinder and 1st GradeImportant Topics in K● Numbers and counting● Simple add and subtract situations● Shapes and space

Important Topics in 1st● Add and subtract within 20● Place value ● Measuring length with improvised units ● Reasoning with shapes

2nd GradeImportant Topics:

● Extending base-ten (hundreds)● Fluency in addition and subtraction● Length with standard units● Analyze shapes using attributes

3rd GradeImportant Topics:

● Extending base-ten (thousands)● Multiplication● Division● Introduction of fractions● Area measurement● Compare and classify shapes

4th GradeImportant Topics:

● Extending place value (millions)● Multi-digit multiplication● Multi-digit division● Working with fractions● Introduction to decimals● Angle measurement● Line symmetry

5th GradeImportant Topics

● Add and subtract fractions● Fraction multiplication● Introduction to fraction division● Fluency with multi-digit multiplication and division● Calculating with decimals● Volume

Support At Home● Use “notice and wonder” to help kids think mathematically ● Focus on reasoning and sense-making, not necessarily speed● Incorporate measurement estimation into daily activities● Play games● Consider keeping a math journal at home● Online resources (see attached)

Resources ● “Math For Families: Helping with math at home (K-1)”

○ https://www.sd47.bc.ca/Programs/earlylearning/Documents/math_for_families.pdf

● “Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics”○ https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/math/math.pdf

● www.youcubed.com

● http://www.kenthaines.com/

● https://bstockus.wordpress.com/talking-math-with-kids/

● Contact me at jdlerner@cps.edu