FALL 2024, Vol. 10
October 2024
Published by: Montana Office of Public Instruction Mathematics Instructional Coordinator
MT Math Minute
Math Education with Families
FEATURED RESOURCES:
Research on student learning and family involvement:
It is no secret - students in Montana are struggling in Mathematics.
According to this 2023 - 2024 statewide assessment data report, just 38.7% of Montana’s 3rd - 8th graders are proficient in math.
Overcoming this significant gap in learning is going to take a community for it is far too large a job for just one teacher. While there is no doubt that educators can always improve their practice to better meet the needs of students in their classrooms - the data shows that this work can be supported significantly by partnership with families and communities.
Therefore, I choose to dedicate this month’s Featured Resources to a question I believe all educators have thought at one point or another:
“How do I cultivate a partnership with families and caretakers to promote student learning?”
It’s certainly easy to say “get caretakers involved”, but how do we do this in a way that in a way that honors their time and supports their connection as a family?
Math Education with Families
FEATURED RESOURCES:
This is not intended to be a complete guide for partnering with families and caretakers in student learning of mathematics.
However, whether you’re looking to get started, or you want to add some resources to your list, here are some of my favorites.
Great for students and families developing English skills, P-3 Teachers, and Special Education Teachers.
This website offers tons of games, which you can organize by math topic, recommended books, home kits, as well as research for deeper learning. The videos are offered in multiple languages and can help support students and families who are learning English. These can also serve as a great differentiation or intervention tool for students who need to cultivate their p-3 math skills.
Great for families of middle-schoolers
Provides some explanation of how parents can connect with middle school students about math beyond helping with homework.
Great for families, day care, or pre-school teachers.
Quick videos that model how families can practice math skills at home doing activities they already do - like playing at the playground, shopping for groceries, hiking, and more. The best part - each video is under five minutes, free, and sorted by age level 0-8. They also include age appropriate books and activities routines, games, and art, all of which introduce math concepts!
This website lists books for children aged 0-18 that address mathematics. Each link provides an overview of the text, and, where applicable, additional resources.
Great for families, teachers, librarians, and other educators, who are looking for books to add to their collection.
FEATURE: Standards Revisions
Proposed Math Practices
This video provides a brief overview of the proposed mathematical practices, explains some of the research used by the task force, and describes how to locate these resources.
In the coming months, we will explore each proposed mathematical practice through interactive activities, to support educators’ understanding as we head toward implementation in 2026.
Instruction Resources
FEATURE: IEFA Integration Ideas
Star-Quilt Resources
Check out any of these resources to use in your classroom.
- Geometry and Computer Science Integrated Lesson Plan from Code.org (Grades 3-5)
- This is a free resource.
- This lesson plan is not tied to specific tribal nations, instead referring to Northern Plains Peoples as a group. This is done because the lesson is intended as a national level resource. Montana educators should take a moment to clarify for students which Montana tribes have these traditions, including the Sioux and Assiniboine Tribes.
- Making a Star Quilt Unit Lesson Plan from OPI’s IEFA Unit (Grade 4)
- This is a free resource.
- Making a Star Quilt Unit Lesson Plan from OPI’s IEFA Unit (Grade 6)
- This is a free resource.
- Star Quilt Video and Activities - Fort Peck - by PBS Learning Media
- This is a free resource.
- The Mathematics of Native American Star Quilts (Grades 6-8)
- This is a free resource.
Special Note: Many of these lessons can be expanded to cover high school geometry and trigonometry concepts with ease. However, I could not locate any high-school specific resources. I want to call special attention to the Mathematics of Native American Star Quilts resource for grades 6-8. This outlines the mathematical concepts present and would be a good point for high school educators to build off of.
Star quilts have special meanings to many Indigenous Nations and Cultures. Their unique geometric patterns present a dynamic way to integrate current and historical Indigenous Knowledge with Mathematical concepts in the classroom. Here are some resources to help any teacher considering blending these concepts in their instruction.
Background Knowledge
Unfamiliar and want to learn more? Start with these resource links:
Star quilt presented to OPI by Hays Lodge Pole Elementary School (2004)
RESOURCE LIST:
Here are some resources for developing math learning in the classroom:
3 Act Math Activities
3 Act Math Activities are a great way to get students to explore, wonder, justify, and prove their thinking in mathematics. These serve as a great resource for exercising prior knowledge, introducing a new concept, or as an intervention for struggling students. These can be collaborative or independent activities. For learning about how to use 3 Act Math activities, visit the Teacher Learning Hub!
Last Best Learning Podcast
OPI Instructional Coordinators Michelle and Katrina have launched a new podcast where we invite experts to talk about the things Montana’s teachers face everyday. Listen to fellow Montana educators as we explore topics like educator self-care, differentiation, retention of teachers, and how what works!
Virtual Field Trips
Interested in taking your students on a virtual field trip? The National Museum of Mathematics offers virtual fieldtrips to P-12 classrooms all across the country. Title One schools can qualify for grants that will cover the costs of the experience. To learn more, visit the website linked below.
More
Resources
For more resources visit our padlet where you will find:
- Featured classroom resources.
- Podcast Episodes of Interest.
- Research in Math Education.
- And more!
All curated and updated weekly by our Math Instructional Coordinator
pROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Teacher Learning Hub Offerings:
Addition and Subtraction Strategies (5 PDUs)
But What About Fact Fluency (2 PDUs)
Indian Ed & Math Seamless Integration (2 PDUs)
Mathematical Practices (K-8) (3 PDUs)
Multiplication Strategies of Basic Facts (4 PDUs)
Multiplication Strategies: Multi-Digit Numbers (5 PDUs)
Playing with Pythagoras (4 PDUs)
Problem Solving: Bring Your Classroom Alive! (3 PDUs)
The Hub offerings are free and self-guided. While each training can be applied towards licensure renewal, we encourage you to check with your district administrator or collective bargaining agreement to verify these meet district requirements for PIR.
Upcoming Events:
Professional Development F.A.Q
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Looking for Previous Editions of the Montana Math Minute?
2024
Want to be featured in future volumes?
OPI would love to feature those educators making innovative strides in mathematics education. If you would like to see a teacher, math department, school, or district honored for their great work, please fill out our feature request form.