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In a spirited celebration of mathematics, we hosted our annual Math Week in March, engaging students across both the Jersey City and Englewood campuses in a series of hands-on math activities designed to bring numbers to life.
Spotlight on the Kangaroo Math Competition
At the Englewood campus, excitement peaked with hosting the prestigious Kangaroo Math Competition, which also welcomed students from outside the French American Academy to participate. This international contest emphasizes logical reasoning and real-world problem-solving. The competition allowed students to showcase their skills, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition.
Innovative Methods: Singapore Math and Math in the City
Math Week reflects the core of our math curriculum, which combines Singapore Math and Math routines from MitC. Singapore Math builds a deep understanding through a concrete–pictorial–abstract approach, while Math in the City encourages flexible thinking through real-life problem solving and collaborative discussions.
Together, these two methods provide a well-rounded mathematical foundation, equipping students with both structured problem-solving skills and the agility to think mathematically in diverse situations.
Some of the Hands-On Activities That Took Place:
Throughout Math Week and regularly during the school year, students participated in various practical activities directly aligned with the Singapore Math and Math in the City curricula:
- PK2: Students took math outdoors, discovering shapes, patterns, and numbers in everyday environments, embracing “Maths beyond the walls.”
- PK2 & PK3: Daily challenges and games explored numbers, shapes, and sizes, culminating in certificates celebrating students’ achievements.
- Kindergarten: Students participated in an orientation race at Hamilton Park, combining physical activity with math-focused teamwork and problem-solving.
- Kindergarten: Kindergarten students collaborated with one another and made use of all the math skills that they learned and materials in the classroom to solve the math problem handed to them by the first graders!
- First Grade: Students creatively designed math games and participated in a math walk, integrating numeracy with physical activities.
- Second Grade: 2nd graders explored math by solving real-life math problems in small groups each day! From counting, measuring, and problem-solving to understanding how math connects to daily life, they are making learning fun and full teamwork!
- Fourth Grade: Students participated in a “Promenade Mathématique,” a fun activity designed to help them discover mathematical objects in their surroundings. As they explored, they observed various shapes, numbers, and measurements. Students then took pictures of these objects, which they will later use to create illustrations for word problems.
- Grades 4 & 5: Guided by math expert Kara, students applied geometry and measurement concepts to design and draw the first official FAA soccer field goal.
A Commitment to Mathematical Excellence
Math Week at the French American Academy exemplifies our dedication to fostering a deep, practical understanding of mathematics. By integrating innovative methods with automaticity activities, we aim to inspire our students to appreciate the beauty and utility of math in the world around them.
