5th Grade ALP
Growing a Community of Leaders
Highlights of the Math-Olympiads/Mathletics Course
Looking at Mathematics Differently
Poetry in Mathematics
That's right, your eyes are not tricking you!
It was such a fun way to connect across disciples, think about numbers differently, and display our mathematical knowledge. We analyzed the numbers in the picture above and discussed them. This led to us learning about prime numbers. Then, we heard mathematical poetry in the form of Spoken Word on prime numbers by Harry Baker and discussed what made that poem special, funny, mathematical, and creative. Conversing in depth about how the poet deliberately personified the numbers and looked at them differently. We all appreciated the thought behind the poem and decided to used our mathematical knowledge and creativity to write our own poems with our own style, perspective, and flow. We picked a number and gave it a try! Finally, sharing what we had written (in true Spoken Word form) to our audience. The creativity that spilled out of each of these mathematicians was truly phenomenal!
Perspective
- we believe everyone can learn math at a high level
- math is visual (even when we think it might not be)
- math is all around us (along with lots of wonder and curiosity)
- we value communication and connections
- math is open and it can take many forms, strategies, and perspectives
- we value mistakes
Powerful Questions to develop a Deep Level of understanding in Mathematics
- How do you see that idea?
- Why does that answer make sense?
- Why does that method work?
- How is that method or strategy connected to others?
- How can that idea be represented in different ways?
- Can you prove it?
- Can you justify your thinking?
- Can you predict what would happen if...?
- Did you make any interesting mistakes?
From Jo Boaler, Stanford University
Questions to ask your child:
- What was your favorite aspect of the Math-Olympiad/Mathletics course? Why?
- Can you describe a time that challenged you to think creatively during this course?
- Can you describe how you worked as a team member?
- Name your favorite moment during the course!
- Has your thinking about math changed or enhanced through this course? If so, explain how.