Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive math curriculum that helps teachers fully implement the Standards for Mathematics in a way that is challenging, engaging, coherent, and accessible to all learners. On Tuesday, May 1, Meadow View Elementary School staff and students were excited to present their work in Bridges to the Oconomowoc Area School District School Board.
The Bridges curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to problem solve. Teachers showed how they support this work through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). “With UDL, we’re trying to make sure that all our learners in our classrooms understand what we’re teaching. There are three basic pillars to UDL, trying to show kids multiple means of representation, then there are multiple means of engagement and multiple means of action and expression,” explained Meadow View Elementary fourth grade teacher, Lisa Docter.
Within the math curriculum, multiple means of representation come to life through the ways that math is taught. Students learn through large group math lessons, small group instruction, individual instruction, and lessons taught using the document projector for visual learning. Within these different settings, multiple learning strategies are used personalize the instruction further. Teachers use anchor charts, number grids, and a variety of shapes and manipulatives. “Multiple means of representation is how we present the information to kids in a variety of ways,” summarized Docter.
Students also use a variety of tools to engage with their math lessons. Students might use small whiteboards to write on during large group instruction, or use number cards on a number line during small group learning. They also work with a partner in “productive struggle” to work through a challenging math problem together.
As a result of the variety of learning formats and tools available for students, they’re able to express their thinking in multiple ways. They use manipulatives, drawing pictures and writing to engage in “math talk” and explain how they reach the correct answers. Meadow View Elementary Principal, Jason Schreiber said, “Effective mathematics teaching facilitates an opportunity for students to talk and collaborate in order to build a shared understanding of ideas, by analyzing and comparing student approaches and arguments.”
At the May Board Meeting, students in kindergarten through fourth grade demonstrated their small group work, solving a problem and modeling how they talk about their work. Teachers also shared how Bridges allows them to create lessons that students can access, find engaging, and will enable them to show what they know in multiple ways. Through this planning, teachers can blend direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration while tapping into the strengths of all students by presenting material in a variety of ways. Lisa Docter ended the presentation, saying “students are growing so much in math with Bridges, and we’re so excited.”
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Pictured left to right:
Back row: Mr. Jason Schreiber, Meadow View Elementary Principal, Rachel Gaulke, Learning Strategist, Lisa Docter, 4th Grade Teacher, Sarah Schick, 3rd Grade Techer
3rd row: Roxanne Cooke, 2nd Grade Teacher, Jen McMillen, 1st Grade Teacher, Becky Ballweg, 5K Teacher, Gwen Muehlbauer, 3rd Grade Teacher
2nd row: Isaac Carriveau, Sophia Kluck, Joscelyn Tewes, Michael Funk, Kyler Katankik
Front row: Jackson Shoemake, Jeffrey Xu, Addison Brendel, Chaelie Davis, Mackenzie Totten
Meadow View Elementary students Addison Brendel and Mackenzie Totten demonstrate how they use white boards, shapes, and drawing to solve a math problem. Kindergarten Teacher, Becky Ballweg, 1st Grade Teacher, Jen McMillen and OASD Board member Juliet Steitzer watch their work.
Meadow View Elementary students Jeffrey Xu and Jackson Shoemake cut out their own shapes to solve a larger geometry problem.
