Our Wildwood, Summer 2018, Volume 43

know the skills and answers to questions they can turn to their smartphones for but to also go beyond them. We want to equip students with the confidence, the means, the know-how, and the passion for engaging in any mathematical challenge. Most of the programs we researched did not fit our school’s mission. They were heavily teacher directed and textbook focused. That isn’t us. One program and method, however, did resonate with us: Primary Mathematics out of Singapore Math. Singapore was once one of the least successful countries in mathematics education and became one of the most rapidly improving in the world. How did that happen? They changed their approach to teaching math and science and developed a framework on the basis that mathematical problem-solving is central to learning math. Singapore Math is not a program but rather a way of teaching. The pedagogy closely reflects the values and way of teaching that have always been true at Wildwood. The Singapore method supports a diverse group of learners and incorporates opportunities to practice multiple approaches to problem-solving. It balances direct instruction with self-guided discovery, exploration, and practice, and it puts 21st century skills at the forefront. Like the Wildwood way, Singapore Math focuses on collaboration and teamwork by teaching students to battle the problem, not one another, and it includes an important reflection component that we value.

programs in schools around the world. Task force members selected the programs that most aligned with our values and what we believe to be best practice, and piloted them in Wildwood classrooms. After a great deal of research, our task force came together and shared its findings and personal experiences. Wildwood teachers and administrators joined the discussion with their own thoughts and opinions, and together, we began a rich dialogue about the kind of mathematicians we want Wildwood graduates to be. We agreed that Wildwood mathematicians should

Wildwood’s elementary math program has a rich history as a hands-on, problem-solving-based approach to the subject. We know children learn best when they believe that math has a reason or purpose and have some choice in how they learn it. Wildwood’s math curriculum always aims to include authentic, real-world, project- based learning so that students engage and participate in strong practices that align with our school’s philosophy and mission. Our math task force began by gathering resources, looking toward highly revered mathematicians and math

“Watching my students come up with methods I’d never seen before—watching the innovation in their problem- solving—was so exciting to see!” — MALLORY KONELL, 5TH GRADE TEACHER

How did your teaching of math feel this year compared to previous years?

“The work and learning around the teaching of math this year provided opportunities for me to explore different ways to support different kinds of math thinkers. It really rejuvenated

my teaching practices.” — TAHNEE MUNOZ, POD (K-1) TEACHER

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