Welcome to Mathematics at Home!

We are excited to share our Fall Mathematics at Home Newsletter. This time of the year is always full of transitions as kids get back into the swing of school (even if it looks different this year) and the weather starts to shift on us. This year more than ever, please make sure you are giving yourself grace, practicing self care, and know that kids are resilient and we will all make it through.

In this newsletter we provide easy and fun activities you can do with your young kids at home or while out in the community. We understand the struggle to keep up with what is going on at school and support your child's learning.  All kids are capable learners of math and encouraging them to engage in math does not need to be stressful. The activities shared are intended to be low/no prep, few/no materials needed, interactive and fun.

We hope that you enjoy connecting with and engaging your kids in math. We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Reach out to us anytime at Mathematics@k12.wa.us

Click here for a PDF version of this Newsletter

So often we get locked into the idea that math has to be taught by sitting down at a table and completing worksheets. We want to challenge that idea by providing you with some choice boards. These grids are filled with fun activities you can do at home or out in the community while playing with your kids. We like choice boards because they give children choice while still setting specific parameters designed to encourage developmentally appropriate math skills.

We have set up the choice boards by grade bands. Each column focuses on a different math concept, and the activities dive deeper into the skill as you work your way down the board. This gives you the freedom to enter the board at a place that best suits your child, and provides additional activities to continue working on the skill. 

Download the PDF choice boards:

• Preschool through 1st grade
• 1st grade through 4th grade

Great stories are a wonderful way to get young people of all ages excited and interested in mathematics. The annual book prize, Mathical: Books for Kids from Tots to Teens, recognizes the most inspiring math-related fiction and nonfiction books that bring to life the wonder of math in our lives.

Pigeon Math (2020 Award Winner)

Written by Asia Citro • Illustrated by Richard Watson

K through 2^nd grade

Telling a story about pigeons should be simple. But what’s a narrator to do when the number of feathered friends is constantly changing? Can our intrepid storyteller use math facts to keep up with the unstable quantities… or is this pigeon-centric tale doomed?

Key Math Concepts

• Adding up to 10
• Perseverance
• Solving math problems is fun

Reading Resources

Want to enjoy Mathical books with the children around you? Feeling uncertain about guiding them through the math-related parts of the book?

Here you'll find a list of printable educational resources. There are both free and paid resources available. Check back frequently as they are continually adding new resources.

Click here to access printable resources for Pigeon Math

You can also find read aloud versions online such as this one.

Copyright © 2019 All Rights Reserved. Mathematical Sciences Research Institute.

PBS member stations throughout Washington are partnering with the OSPI to support educators as they continue to provide distance learning for students. We are also working to connect parents and children with resources to help them cope with continuing school closures.

As we all understand the importance of equity in education, especially during this time, please note that in addition to our regularly scheduled educational programming available on broadcast, we are partnering with the WORLD Channel to broadcast content for grades 6-12 from 9am to 2pm on weekdays. PBS KIDS programming also has aligned at-home learning resources on PBS LearningMedia and through the PBS KIDS for Parents website.

PBS KIDS for Parents offers information, activities and tips for parents

• Back to School Resources
• The PBS KIDS newsletter offers activities and tips parents can use to help kids play and learn at home. 
• Blog with articles like “How to support your child for a very different school year”

More information can be found on the OSPI website.

By the DREME Family Math team

No matter what school and child care look like this year, DREME offers a new set of free, research-based early math activities that families can do together at home. The activities are designed to be fun and easy to implement, require no special materials, and can be folded into daily life rather than feel like extra work. This kit focuses on exploring math while playing.

Included in the kit are:

• Reveal the Hidden Math: Tips for engaging children in math conversations.
• Math Snacks: Quick but powerful ideas for bringing math into playtime.
• Scavenger Hunt: Search for things in different shapes and sizes.
• Simon Says: A twist on this classic game gets children practicing early math skills.
• Measuring Myself: No rulers needed for this hands-on measurement activity.
• Build Together: Construction challenges that use lots of math vocabulary

Download the At-Home Early Math Learning Kit in English (PDF)

Download the At-Home Early Math Learning Kit in Spanish (PDF)

Self-Paced Guide & Modules for Anyone Supporting Students at Home during Distance Learning.

Modules 1 through 4 are organized around essential distance learning topics for anyone who is supporting a student whilst in their care. Each module invites choice and personalization. These self-paced, independent experiences are designed with the hope that you will tailor your online experience to your individual supporting needs and interests. You are not expected to read every resource and participate in every activity within each module. Pick and choose what you need.

This is a participant driven experience. You know the child(ren) in your care’s needs. As you make your way through this learning opportunity, keep considering how you may adapt and apply tools, ideas, and practices to your own supporting situation. What do you need? What's working for you? How can you tailor this experience to support you?

The modules are designed to model structures and practices that you can transfer back to your caregiving experiences. Please freely borrow and share what might work for you and the child(ren) in your care!

Growth Mindset for Parents

This is a 30 minute, 10 lesson course designed for parents about growth mindset. From MindsetKit and developed in collaboration with Raise The Bar. Parents learn what a growth mindset is, why it’s important, and best practices to support their children in developing this learning belief.

Access the course: (English)  (Spanish)

A story of Growth Mindset

Jabari Jumps

by Gaia Cornwall 

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.

You can also find read aloud versions online such as this one.