Our Math Block is more of an experience than a class. It is rich and multi-dimensional. There are multiple goals at any one time, and the content isn’t explored in a strict linear trajectory. To us, the traditional math class pattern seems to be more about filling time and covering content than providing an experience that will transform thinking. In contrast, we think of the development of mathematics knowledge as multiple threads that must be braided together over time to create strong and lasting understanding. We pull on threads related to multiple concepts and ways of thinking, then bind them together. We aim for deep conceptual understanding, bearing in mind that the way learners understand an idea can have major implications for how, or whether, they understand other ideas. Thus, we are very purposeful in the way we build concepts, and we also work to emphasize the conceptual continuities among different number forms…
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