READY MATHEMATICS GRADE 5
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Dear Parents,
Welcome to Ready Mathematics! Why does this math look different? 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. Some instructional methods you are seeing in the Ready Mathematics 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. 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. |
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