Math Expressions is our Kindergarten math curricular resource. This program focuses on deep mathematical understanding that builds on foundational concepts. Students are taken through three phases of learning a math concept.
The first stage involves building the concept using manipulatives, the second involves drawing a math picture, and the final phase involves learning the equation or algorithm. For example, when learning about addition, our students first do many addition problems using counters, adding the two groups to understand that addition is the act of putting groups together. Then, students will do addition problems, drawing circles to show the numbers that are being used.
Finally, in the last stage, students are given an equation and asked to solve a story problem that is read aloud, and they will write an equation to go with the problem.
Throughout all stages, students are asked to explain their thinking and explain how they knew to add or subtract and how they know their answer is reasonable. This deep mathematical exploration will enable our students to truly understand math concepts rather than simply apply an equation.