Math

This is our 2nd year of implementation of our Ready Math program adoption.  You may have noticed a difference from our previous math materials.  Some instructional methods you are seeing in your student’s math materials may be unfamiliar to you. These newer methods are helping students make connections to concepts they have already learned to strengthen their understanding before we move on to something new. Research has shown that making these connections is an important step in developing strong mathematics foundations.

Computations are only one part of mathematics. Mathematics is also about communicating, making connections, and finding ways to solve real-world problems. We need students who can persevere in thinking about a problem and attempt a solution, ask good questions, understand that there are different ways to solve a problem, and communicate their solutions to others.

 How you can help your student with math homework?

It’s important for your student to spend time thinking about problems and trying different things to arrive at a solution––even if he or she is struggling. Make sure they don’t give up too easily. If they are really struggling, praise their efforts and encourage them to try to figure it out––mistakes are okay because we learn from them. Research has shown that children often better retain what they have learned after continuing to think about a problem, even when they wanted to give up.

Rather than trying to show your student how to solve a problem, encourage him or her to try each one. Ask guiding questions that get them to take time to think about the problem and make connections to what they already know.

Below are some possible questions you might ask.

ELA 

This year we are using a new reading program called Wonders (K-5th grade) and Study Sync (6th-8th grade).  

Reading Wonders (K-5)

This is a balanced literacy program, which includes phonics, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing. Each week begins with an essential question that is the focus for the week.  The stories that are read during shared reading and guided reading focus on that essential question as well as a specific genre. 

This program also has an online component that we just started using in class.  The children have access to all of the stories that we read throughout the week.  They can also play all of the interactive games to help them practice grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and high frequency words.  The children have really enjoyed using this new website during Learning Centers. 

StudySync (6-8)

StudySync is a cross-curricular, core literacy solution with hundreds of texts, dynamic video and multimedia lessons guaranteed to inspire and advance reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking and listening skills to prepare students for college and careers. StudySync provides powerful digital instruction with engaging print resources to ensure teachers can provide students a systematic path to success.

We are so excited to be using these fabulous program at school; and hope that your child will enjoy sharing it with you at home.  If you have any questions about Wonders and/or Study Sync or concerns about using it at home, please contact your child’s teacher.

 Writing Across Catalina (K-8)

Once a month, our teachers focus on specific elements of writing with an emphasis on one of the three College and Career Readiness Writing Genres.  Students are given the opportunity to learn and utiilize AZMerit writing guides and are guided throught the peer editing process.  The final writing product is proudly displayed on the homeroom teacher's writing wall.