The Thunder Bolt

The Bolt spoke with our Elementary School Principal, Ms. Kristin Kappelmann about math instruction in our lower elementary school program. “You can introduce a child in Reception to very abstract mathematical concepts, such as ratios, while giving them the concrete materials - meeting them where they are as mathematicians. Our educators understand the entire scope of how math is learned and how skills build on each other; our teachers have the tools they need to give kids opportunities to reach incredible heights in applying math concepts. When they are ready, we don't hold them back from moving on to higher math concepts or applying them to their everyday lives.”

Concordia Grade 2 teacher Mrs. Danielle Richmond said, “Students are learning to think about numbers in different ways in order to prepare for their future in-depth study of addition and subtraction.” 

Concordia Grade 2 teacher Mrs. Brittany Stapley added, “I really like Everyday Mathematics because the students are encouraged to discuss math with their peers.  Math talk is a big part of our day. This is powerful because students learn best by explaining and from hearing from their peers. It also shows me, as their teacher, what they are thinking about and what kind of guidance they need to fully understand the concepts.”

Concordia students are engaged in daily meaningful math practices. They learn math concepts through games. This solid foundational math practice encourages students to talk more about math and make it part of their life.  expected to do many workbook pages seemingly for the sake of it. With this way of learning math, children are given enough practice to master the material without being given busy work. 

G2 student Chelsea said, “I like addition and multiplication because I started practicing them when I was four and they are very fun.  It is the most fun when you add double digit numbers.  A game where you get a handful of money and you use and count up all the money.  You will see your partner’s total or your total. You can add up to a big digit number and that is fun.  

G2 student Charlie said: “My favorite part in math is counting American dollars in 5s and 2s. This is my first time learning about American money. The math game I like best is a sheet and we have money. We roll the dice and whoever gets the most money wins. Everything in math surprises me because it is really fun to learn math.  There are some more games we play. A card game to find cards that make 10s and until all the cards run out. Whoever has the most cards that creates 10s wins the game.”  

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