What is Math Mindset?

Math Mindset is about more than just getting the right answer. It is a way of looking at numbers, breaking them apart and understanding how they work. It is about finding the patterns and finding visuals to support the problem. It is also knowing that there is more than one way to solve a problem and being open to mistakes.

What is Open Math?

Most of us have learned Math as a set of rules … a dry boring subject where we had to conform. But what if I told you that the beauty, the colour and the magic of it becomes visible when the focus shifts from “performing” to “exploring”? It is about asking questions with more than one correct answer. It is about understanding the concept before learning the formula. It is about discussing our thinking.

What is Visual Math?

When solving Math Problems, our brains naturally try to visualize it, our visual processing parts in the brain light up!

So, when Math is taught in a dry abstract way consisting of endless formulas, the brain has to work much harder to make sense of it. The most successful Math curriculums are the ones that believe every concept right up to Gr12 level, should first be experienced visually, using manipulatives and hand-on approaches.

Math is visual and we need to teach it that way!

Why are mental strategies more important than drill?

Having strategies to use when doing basic calculations can greatly improve a child’s understanding of number and ways to manipulate them when doing mental calculations with larger numbers. This is crucial for number sense and helping to foster independence and confidence in Math.

How can Learning Routines help us?

“A Learning Routine is the boundary I can bounce from. It gives me the strength to be creative and helps me to find my pace and joy of learning. Some people think that routine is conforming but it actually helps us to be the opposite!” Arnna Graham

Why is Problem Solving such an important part of the learning process?.

“Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” – Roger Lewin

Starting a lesson with a problem, activates the brain. The brain is a thinking machine that loves to find answers and make sense of the world.

“We are going to learn how to multiply with two digit numbers,” creates a much different feeling and experience than “How do we multiply two digit numbers?”

What are Learning Questions and why are they important?

Learning Question is designed to encourage a full and meaningful enquiry. It’s more about provoking a process of learning than about finding an answer, but if you do seek an answer it must be one that incorporates your growing knowledge and personal perspective.Innovative thinking.

Are all questions equal?

Asking the right questions develops a growth mindset and promotes depth of thinking in children. But knowing when to ask the question, that is the secret! We need to ask questions that encourages thinking, not stops it.