Math Piloting

This is my first year teaching, and I just happened to land my dream job of the moment. I teach math to kindergarten through fifth graders. I love math. After getting my undergraduate degree in Elementary Ed, I took the Praxis for middle mathematics. Is year, I've also tutored students from middle to high school ages each week in math. I love going back to algebra and geometry. It makes me so happy!

This year, my school district has been researching new math curriculums, specifically that align with the Common Core State Standards, and I have been in the Math Cohort that gets to choose next year's curriculum. It is comprised of my principal, at least one teacher from each grade level, the two math interventionists, and gifted teacher. We have been discussing two different curriculums and have met with each company. As of last week, we were finishing up our second pilot. We are meeting in a week to discuss our findings and will (hopefully) choose our new curriculum!

This has been such a great experience for me. I love being able to use the online features with both of the companies when teaching my students. My partner and I have created packets for each grade to use as intervention tools. I have the say, the pilots worked great! The online tools include manipulatives, such as Base Ten Blocks and fraction tools, and include engaging games and videos to intrigue students before each lesson. The real world videos are my favorite because the students can see how the math they are learning directly affects them in their lives outside of school.

What curriculums do you use at your school? Are there good online tools available with them?