|
Mathematics Homework Baggies Delivered to Schools |
|
|
|
Written by NS Government
|
|
Monday, 27 March 2006 |
Mathematics may not be everyone's bag, but that may soon change for Nova Scotia's youngest students.
Hundreds of elementary students across Nova Scotia are now getting a fresh perspective on adding and subtracting thanks to new Mathematics homework kits for Grade Primary to Grade 3.
The Mathematics Home Activity Packs, which are stuffed with math games and other fun activities, are designed to help students and their parents understand and explore basic concepts at home.
Building blocks, coloured beads, illustrated books and even toy robots are among the hands-on materials included in the 30 activity bags packed inside each pack.
Each bag includes a math activity instruction card along with a variety of tools or books to complete the activity. Each activity helps students develop a better understanding of number concepts, geometry, equations, graphing, patterns and making predictions.
"We are hoping these home activity packs will make it easier for our youngest students to grasp a variety of concepts by making math homework more fun," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "Student success in mathematics is one of our top priorities."
He said it's important young students use concrete materials to enhance their understanding of sometimes complicated concepts before progressing to more abstract theories in the later grades.
The home activity packs, promised in Learning For Life II, the province's plan for education, are especially helpful to families, who can participate more meaningfully in their child's education. The activities also give a glimpse into the concepts being taught in the classroom.
"The home activity packs provide a window on the classroom for parents," said Donna Karsten, mathematics consultant for the Department of Education. "They were created here, by Nova Scotia teachers, for Nova Scotia teachers."
About 2,000 of the packs have already been sent to elementary schools across the province. Mr. Muir personally delivered the last of the kits to Brookfield Elementary School, today, March 27.
Brookfield teacher Holly Peers, a member of the provincial team that developed the baggie concept, said her students and their parents love the packs.
"Parents tell me that this is the way children should learn and these are the types of things they should be doing," |
