ABOUT FAMILY MATH…

First and second grade students at the Marsh Elementary School in Absecon, New Jersey just completed a five week Family Math course. Family Math is a program that provides elementary school children and their parents with opportunities to develop problem solving skills and understanding of mathematical concepts in an enjoyable, nonthreatening atmosphere. Children and adults come together from 6:00-8:00 p.m. once a week for five weeks to do mathematics, and then practice at home ideas they learn in class.

While playing different games and using hands-on manipulatives, children were able to:
-build confidence and competence in mathematics
- have hands-on experience in a fun, supportive environment
-create a positive attitude towards mathematics
-build problem-solving strategies that reduce frustration and increase the willingness to accept new challenges

All Family Math activities reinforce the NCTM Standards and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in mathematics. The content of Family Math classes is based on the school mathematics curriculum and represents all content areas. Topics that were covered included:
-Arithmetic, numbers and operations
-Geometry
-Measurement
-Probability and statistics
-Calculators
-Patterns, relations and functions
-Logical thinking

Instructors Lisa Hartz, (first grade teacher) and Carol Phillips, (second grade teacher) completed a three day training course at Rutgers University. "We are hoping to continue doing this program every year. We would like to thank our Education Foundation for sponsoring such a wonderful program."