Mathematics
Mathematics is a formal language
that expresses reality in symbols, and helps
us to describe experiences and solve certain
types of problems more simply and effectively
than we could with natural language. The
world is filled with patterns and order, and
mathematics is a way of seeing and expressing
the relationships among them. As the symbolic
process of the mind moves from concrete to operational
to abstract thinking, our ability to use symbols
sharpens our intelligence. Thus, developing
a child’s
mind becomes more than helping him or her acquire
experience, which is the domain of the senses. It
involves giving the child the ability to use
his or her collective sensory information to
formulate original ideas and to represent these
ideas usefully.
Our
math classes are designed to provide ample opportunities
for children to conceptualize theories and master
the developmental skills necessary for thinking
mathematically, as they progress naturally through
Piaget’s various stages
of thinking. Our teachers focus on analytical
thinking, reasoning, and problem solving, guiding
students to a solid understanding of the basic
concepts of mathematics while encouraging them
to think creatively. Our curriculum includes
Numbers Sense, Computation and Operations, Algebra
and Functions, Measurement, Data Analysis/Probability,
and Geometry, set out in a sequential manner
to help children move from the concrete to the
abstract, from block building to algebra. Throughout
our program, students use manipulative
materials, designed to foster a deep understanding
of concepts and mathematical relationships. These
materials include Cuisinaire rods, pattern blocks,
geoboards, snap cubes, and tangrams, among others. Workbooks
provide additional practice in mastering skills
and achieving accuracy in computations. Work
with puzzles, brainteasers, and other problem-solving
activities start of process of “thinking
outside the box.”
Communication and discussion
are essential parts of our mathematics curriculum.
The sharing of solutions with others is as important
as finding the right answer. Our program challenges students to
think creatively in problem solving, beyond following “how
to do it” instructions. While accuracy
in computation is important, we believe it is essential
for students to have the competence to solve a
variety of open-ended problems and be able to think
for themselves. We believe that perfecting
skills, though entirely necessary, is not sufficient
to solve mathematical problems or to guarantee
a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. That
is why we strive to inspire them to move beyond
skill building to innovative thinking and ensure
that they work with problems that do not have easy
solutions.
