Manipulating Mathematics in the PYPSean Walker, PYP CoordinatorIn the PYP, students are encouraged to be mathematicians.Rather than simply memorize mathematicalfacts, they have regular opportunities to exploremathematical concepts, use manipulatives* to constructtheir own meaning, search for patterns anddevelop theories. Teachers provoke students’ thinkingand encourage students to play and experiment withmathematical ideas while developing the language<strong>of</strong> mathematics and an increased use and awareness<strong>of</strong> mathematical notation. We aim to foster a love <strong>of</strong>learning mathematics in our students and developtheir genuine interest in the subject.At ISP, we also aim to develop children’s understanding<strong>of</strong> mathematical concepts. At the same time werecognize that there is an important set <strong>of</strong> skills anda body <strong>of</strong> knowledge that is necessary. This includesthe recall <strong>of</strong> number bonds and multiplication factsthat children throughout the grades are expected tolearn by heart, after having had practical experiencesto help them understand the operations <strong>of</strong> addition,subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as therelationships between them.As mathematicians, students will be taught a variety<strong>of</strong> formal and informal strategies and proceduresto solve a range <strong>of</strong> problems. Students are encouragedto explore and compare different approaches in aneffort to find out what is most efficient and accuratefor them. In each grade level, students are exposed toa broad range <strong>of</strong> mathematical ideas from numbers,shape and space, to measurement, pattern and functionand data handling.At times, students will inquire into these ideas instand-alone mathematics lessons. However, whenauthentic connections are possible with other curriculumareas, they will learn other subjects throughmathematics. For example, they might learn about asocial studies concept by analyzing graphs, comparingdistance <strong>of</strong> journeys by measuring, or describingthe features <strong>of</strong> an art piece by identifying the names<strong>of</strong> shapes seen.Students are continuously assessed in a variety <strong>of</strong>ways, sometimes by the teacher, sometimes by otherMr. Walker has funwith grade 3, playinga math gameusing memory andconcentration.students and sometimes by the student him/herself.Reporting on children’s progress in mathematics isextremely important here at ISP. This is <strong>of</strong>ten doneinformally through conversations between teachersand parents. However, there are also three writtenreports sent to parents each year that describe theprogress made in mathematics. In addition, there areconferences scheduled throughout the year involvingstudents, teachers and parents. This regular assessmentallows teachers and students to reflect on howsuccessful teaching and learning has been, to setfuture targets and to address misconceptions.*Manipulatives are resources and hands-on materials that childrencan explore to explain and model their thinking.<strong>Vol</strong>ume <strong>18</strong> – Autumn 2010 3