Author: Alicia Burdess

Numeracy

in GPCSD

SEPTEMBER 2017

REACHING ALL STUDENTS
Our Program of Studies emphasizes a varied approach that accommodates ALL learners. “Concepts should be introduced using manipulatives and be developed concretely, pictorially and symbolically.”
Tips for Teaching Mathematics
Every time you teach, ask yourself:
Who is doing the most math?
Students need to solve problems, think about, discuss, and do mathematics as opposed to watching their teacher solve problems, think about, discuss, and do mathematics.
Who is doing the most talking?
The person doing the talking is the person doing the learning.
Plan opportunities for all students to talk, explain, show, tell, justify… learn!
Does this occur in your classroom?

- Mathematics Program of Studies, Alberta Education

Number Sense is “…the most important foundation of numeracy”
“Number Sense can be developed by producing rich mathematical tasks”
We want to develop “…students who are computationally fluent and flexible with numbers”
- Program of Studies

FOCUS ON:
Problem Solving
Random Groups
Vertical Surfaces
Engagement
Low Floor/High Ceiling Tasks
Personal Strategies
Number Sense
Concrete, Pictorial, Symbolic Learning
Deep Understanding
Formative Assessment

More information: Peter Liljedahl, James Tanton, Jo Boaler, Grayson Wheatley, John Van de Walle, and www.aliciaburdess.com