Helping Every Child Become a Confident Math Thinker

At Sherman School, we believe math is more than numbers on a page—it’s a powerful way to make sense of the world. From measuring ingredients to solving puzzles, math is everywhere! Our goal is to help students not only build strong math skills, but also enjoy the process of thinking, exploring, and problem solving.

🌱 Grades K–4: Bridges in Mathematics & Number Corner

In the early grades, we use Bridges in Mathematics along with Number Corner, a hands-on, visual, and engaging curriculum that helps children understand numbers, patterns, shapes, and more.

Bridges and Number Corner help students:

• Make sense of math through visual models, manipulatives, and discussions

• Build number sense and fluency in a way that’s meaningful and fun

• Learn multiple strategies for solving problems—not just one way

• Develop confidence by talking about their thinking and learning from one another

Number Corner adds daily math routines that support calendar skills, problem solving, and deep thinking. Together, these programs make math approachable and exciting for all learners.

🚀 Grades 5–8: Illustrative Mathematics 360

In grades 5–8, students move into Illustrative Mathematics 360 (IM v.360), a highly-rated, problem-based curriculum that helps students connect math concepts to real-world situations.

Illustrative Math encourages students to:

• Engage in rich math discussions with peers

• Solve problems using real-life scenarios

• Build a strong understanding of mathematical reasoning

• Explore concepts through a balance of rigor and creativity

Each lesson invites students to investigate, collaborate, and reflect, giving them ownership of their learning and the tools to become confident problem solvers.

🔍 Assessing Understanding & Supporting Growth

We know that every child learns at a different pace, and we’re committed to meeting their needs with the right support, at the right time.

🧠 Early Numeracy Assessments (Grades K–2)

In the early grades, we use research-based numeracy assessments to better understand how students are developing foundational math skills. These check-ins help us identify strengths and any early challenges in areas like:

• Number recognition

• Counting strategies

• Place value understanding

• Basic operations

This information helps teachers tailor instruction to support growth right from the start.

📈 i‑Ready Benchmarking (Grades K–8)

Students in grades K–8 take the i‑Ready Diagnostic three times a year—in fall, winter, and spring. This online tool:

• Adjusts to each child’s level and gives a personalized view of their understanding

• Measures how well students are meeting grade-level expectations

• Tracks growth over time to celebrate progress and guide instruction

• Helps identify students who may need additional support or enrichment

Families receive reports after each benchmark, so you can see your child’s growth and learning path.

🧩 MTSS: Supporting Every Learner

We have a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in place to make sure no child falls through the cracks. Here’s how it works:

• All students receive high-quality, grade-level instruction in math.

• If a student needs more support, we provide targeted small group instruction or individualized interventions—based on data from i‑Ready and classroom observations.

• We monitor progress closely and adjust supports as needed, making sure each child gets the help they need to succeed.

🌍 Math is All Around Us

We want students to see that math lives outside the classroom, too. It’s in:

• Cooking and measuring

• Sports and statistics

• Building and design

• Nature and patterns

• Money and budgeting

• Time and scheduling

By connecting learning to everyday life, students see how useful—and exciting—math can be.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families as Math Partners

When families are involved, students thrive! Here are a few ways to support your child at home:

• Talk about math in daily life—ask questions like, “How many more?” or “What’s the best way to figure this out?”

• Play board games or card games that involve numbers and strategy

• Celebrate effort and new strategies—not just correct answers

• Review your child’s i‑Ready report with them and talk about their goals

• Reach out to your child’s teacher for ways to support learning at home

🎯 Our Math Goals

• Build strong foundational and advanced math skills using Bridges and Illustrative Mathematics

• Help every student see themselves as a capable mathematician

• Use data from early numeracy assessments and i‑Ready to guide instruction

• Provide targeted support through our MTSS framework to meet every learner’s needs

• Show students that math is useful, creative, and all around them

• Partner with families to help children grow with confidence and curiosity

At Sherman School, we believe math is for everyone—and we’re excited to explore it together, in the classroom and beyond!