Mathematics

Mathematics at Sisters Elementary School develops progressively from understanding what numbers mean to using mathematics to reason, solve problems, recognize patterns, and make sense of the world. Throughout the elementary years, students build upon previous learning as concepts become increasingly complex. Along the way, they develop not only computational skills, but also number sense, mathematical reasoning, perseverance, and the ability to explain how and why they reached a solution.

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Building the Foundation

In Kindergarten, mathematics begins with developing a strong understanding of numbers and how they relate to one another. Students practice one-to-one correspondence, identify numbers represented in different ways, write numbers from 0 to 20, count to 100, and explore addition and subtraction within 10. They also investigate shapes by their attributes and develop basic measurement concepts through hands-on, collaborative learning. The goal is for children to explore mathematical ideas with confidence and begin seeing themselves as mathematicians.

As students move into First Grade, mathematics begins transitioning from concrete experiences toward more abstract thinking. Students continue working with hands-on materials such as number cubes, pattern blocks, and other manipulatives as they develop an understanding of addition, subtraction, time, money, larger numbers, and two- and three-dimensional shapes. Skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s helps establish patterns and number relationships that will support more advanced mathematical learning.

Developing Fluency & Number Relationships

By Second Grade, students begin using previously learned skills with greater ease while working with increasingly complex numbers and concepts. They order and group numbers, work with quantities much larger than those they can physically count, and strengthen addition and subtraction skills with two-digit numbers. Students continue developing skip-counting skills and begin building an understanding of the meaning and relationships behind multiplication and division.

In Third Grade, mathematical thinking becomes more complex. Students work with larger whole numbers, fractions and decimals while exploring odd and even numbers and numerical patterns. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division become increasingly important, and students are expected not only to solve problems but also to explain their thinking. As their understanding develops, students rely less exclusively on physical materials and increasingly use written strategies and mental mathematics.

Reasoning, Problem-Solving & Application

In Fourth Grade, students continue strengthening number sense and multiplication and division skills, with a significant focus on fractions. Mathematical learning increasingly emphasizes problem-solving and reasoning. Writing is intentionally integrated into mathematics so students learn to analyze information, determine an approach, and communicate their mathematical thinking in writing. This helps students understand that mathematics is not simply about finding an answer, it is also about being able to explain and defend the reasoning behind it.

By Fifth Grade, students draw upon years of mathematical learning to tackle increasingly complex problems. They strengthen division skills, work with fractions and decimals, and make connections among fractions, decimals, and percentages. Students apply these skills to real-world situations involving time, measurement, money, and other practical problems while becoming increasingly responsible for selecting strategies, organizing their work, and determining whether their solutions make sense.

The K-5 Journey

Across the elementary years, the progression is intentional: counting and exploration develop into number sense; number sense grows into operations and relationships; and those skills develop into increasingly sophisticated reasoning, problem-solving, and real-world application. Throughout that journey, students learn that mathematics is about more than memorizing facts or arriving at the correct answer. It is about noticing patterns, making connections, asking questions, trying different strategies, explaining ideas, learning from mistakes, and persevering through challenges. By the end of fifth grade, our goal is for students to enter middle school with strong mathematical foundations and the confidence to approach unfamiliar problems with curiosity, flexibility, and determination.