At Ecole Edward Schreyer School, we believe that math is about more than just numbers.
"Numeracy" is a broader term that includes a deeper understanding about numbers, what they represent, and their flexibility. Numbers are really just symbols we use to represent an idea, so it's difficult to completely separate "numeracy" from "literacy". Improving in one area translates automatically into improvement in the other. Current educational research supports the notion that children (your children) learn more, and develop more quickly when provided with rich, more complex tasks. Other research supports the idea of "urgency" in learning, which is simply a child's perception that learning concepts or ideas are immediately important and relevant. With a sense of urgency, every second becomes precious to the students. Dawdling or waiting around become non-existent in classrooms where urgency is the driving force. Since time is a our greatest resource, creating a sense of urgency is the key to not only increase learning, but also to engage our students completely
Parents....We challenge you!
Professor Jo Boaler works out of Stanford University, and is the author of a new book "Mathematical Mindsets". She is also a leading authority on new brain science and how it relates to our mathematical thinking. Check out what her research indicates as really important principles about learning mathematics. She is offering a new, FREE online course that outlines and explains how amazing math can be. While some of us have not had the best experience in school with math, this course has the potential to change how you feel about it. The research articles supporting this course are listed here. There's a Parent/Teacher guide too!
Everyone is capable of not only doing, but enjoying math. Check out this student-promo for this course! I encourage ALL parents to sign up and take this course. We're going to take as a class. I think this has the potential to make a HUGE impact on our thinking. If you choose to do this, let me know about it. I'm interested in your thoughts, and I'm curious about your own experiences in mathematics. You can email me at [email protected] |
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Caribou Math Contests/Competition
The Caribou math competition is run out of world renowned Brock University, located in St. Catharines, Ontario. At Ecole Edward Schreyer School, we are embarking on a new era in mathematics. We believe our students will benefit from routinely exploring relevant and contemporary problem solving. The 'urgency' phenomenon associated with a competition won't hurt either. After (and perhaps in advance of) the first contest, students will be pushed to improve in preparation for this authentic test/competition date.
*Interesting side note: Brock University actually has a math summer camp, and provides scholarships to students who have excelled in the Caribou Cup as well.
*Interesting side note: Brock University actually has a math summer camp, and provides scholarships to students who have excelled in the Caribou Cup as well.
Calcrostics - Both challenging and rewardingTo solve a Calcrostic, you'll need to use some deductive reasoning. Most importantly, you'll have to be willing to try a few things out, and take some chances.
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The Caribou Contest site offers practice tests, games, leaderboards, and video tutorials for many different types of questions. We'll also be covering many of the different types of question in class. Some of the most difficult questions (author's opinion) are "calcrostics". Two questions and solution videos are provided below. All this means is that kids can train at home. They can choose to excel by practicing on their own time.