Mathematics Our math program at the Upper Primary is focused on building procedural fluency through conceptual understanding and number sense. Students learn and use multiple models and strategies to show conceptual understanding and develop flexibility and fluency in all computational skills. The 8 mathematical practices are an integral part of our curriculum and instruction. Students have opportunities and support to engage in rich and challenging tasks that allow for productive struggle as they make sense of mathematical ideas and relationships. These tasks promote reasoning and problem solving, meaningful mathematical discourse, and a positive mathematical mindset. Through the use
of ongoing assessment, teachers implement various instructional strategies that meet students at their present level of learning and allow for depth, complexity, and extended learning. This practice affords students voice and choice in their learning, with self-evaluation and reflection naturally embedded. Bridges in Mathematics is the primary curricular resource. This curriculum follows the common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M) and focuses on developing students’ understanding of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration to develop students’ mathematical thinking and reasoning abilities.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M) critical areas of focus: Grade 3 Areas of Focus 1. Developing understanding and strategies for multiplication and division within 100. 2. Developing understanding of fractions, especially unit fractions. 3. Developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and of area. 4. Describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes. Grade 4 Areas of Focus 1. Developing understanding and fluency with multi-digit multiplication, and developing understanding of dividing to find quotients involving multi-digit dividends. 2. Developing an understanding of fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, and multiplication of fractions by whole numbers. 3. Understanding that geometric figures can be analyzed and classified based on their properties, such as having parallel sides, perpendicular sides, particular angle measures, and symmetry. Grade 5 Areas of Focus 1. Developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, and developing understanding of the multiplication of fractions and of division of fractions. 2. Extending division to 2-digit divisors, integrating decimal fractions into the place value system and developing understanding of operations with decimals to hundredths, and developing fluency with whole number and decimal operations. 3. Developing understanding of volume.
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Hong Kong International School
