Math
My background in Montessori has provided me with a toolbox full of concrete math experiences. In addition to my school’s math curriculum, I perform daily number talks and provide extra support with hands-on materials. I use appropriate vocabulary and include modeling in lessons. I relate math concepts to students’ daily lives to help motivate students. I connect math with other curriculum areas. For example, students learning about operations with decimals made ice cream parlor menus. We used colorful metaphors and similes describing the menu offerings, to connect to our language lessons. We took orders, calculated tax, and made change to practice operations. We learned about ice cream in Michigan’s economy to connect to our social studies, and we learned how ice cream is made for science. These memorable exchanges make math relatable and accessible to all students. In addition, I always provide a math shelf of enriching activities and math challenges to support learning.