Ready / iReady
Math Curriculum for Grades K-6
WELCOME!
Are you wondering how you can help your child succeed in math? Here are some practical ideas for helping students with math homework and learning more about the strategies students are using!
Why does this math look different?
Computations are only one part of mathematics. Mathematics is also about communicating, making connections, and finding ways to solve real-world problems. We need students who can persevere in thinking about a problem and attempt a solution, ask good questions, understand that there are different ways to solve a problem, and communicate their solutions to others.
Some instructional methods you are seeing in your student’s math materials may be unfamiliar to you. These newer methods are helping students make connections to concepts they have already learned to strengthen their understanding before we move on to something new. Research has shown that making these connections is an important step in developing strong mathematics foundations.
How you can help your student with math homework?
Each lesson in Ready includes a Family Letter explaining the mathematics concepts being taught that week. Read these letters and do the activities on the back with your student, as time allows. Please contact your child's teacher if you have not been receiving these letters or would like extra copies.
It’s important for your student to spend time thinking about problems and trying different things to arrive at a solution––even if he or she is struggling. Make sure they don’t give up too easily. If they are really struggling, praise their efforts and encourage them to try to figure it out––mistakes are okay because we learn from them. Research has shown that children often better retain what they have learned after continuing to think about a problem, even when they wanted to give up.
Rather than trying to show your student how to solve a problem, encourage him or her to try each one. Ask guiding questions that get them to take time to think about the problem and make connections to what they already know. Below are some possible questions you might ask.
Communicate Struggles
If your homework session becomes stressful and frustrating, STOP! Write a quick note or email to the teacher (or have your student do it if he/she is old enough) describing the problems your student struggled with the most and how much effort they put into the assignment.
Can my child work on iReady at home?
Yes! Your child probably knows his/her login information, but the classroom teacher can provide this for you or you can email Rachel Porter at
porterr@swparke.k12.in.us requesting username and password information.
Your child can access iReady at the link below. Please note that the lessons presented in iReady are personalized to your child's individual needs. The intent of this aspect of the curriculum is to fill in any skill gaps your child has and/or to challenge them with new learning if they have already mastered all previous skills. Therefore, the lessons presented in iReady will not be the same lesson they are currently doing in their classroom unless the teacher assigns extra lessons to reinforce the week's lesson.
Where To Learn More
Mathematics educator Graham Fletcher has developed some short videos that provide easy to understand explanations about the different strategies and models used in K–5 mathematics. These short, engaging videos show how learning progresses from one grade to the next and explain less-familiar strategies. Each video is less than 5 minutes in length.
Rachel Porter
If you have additional questions or concerns about Ready / iReady Math curriculum, please contact me, your building principal or your child's teacher.
