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Mathematical Thinking 4B: A Singapore Math Curriculum (Dimensions Math)

In this semester-long course, students learn to think mathematically as they progress through level 4B in the Singapore Math curriculum (Dimensions Math), gaining skills in problem-solving, mental math, and math concepts.
Kim Musolff
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(225)
Class

What's included

36 live meetings
27 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be expected to complete 4-8 pages of homework each week. Assignments will be posted in the Classroom on Mondays. We DO NOT go over every problem of the homework, so if you'd like to check your student's work, you may want to purchase the Teacher's Guide. We do have about 15 minutes each class to answer specific homework questions or to go over particularly difficult problems.
Assessment
I am always informally assessing students in class and adjusting my teaching accordingly. Throughout the activities, we discuss our thinking and our strategies for approaching problems. Upon request, I will provide a written evaluation for your student.

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 5
Intermediate Level
I believe success in math depends on a child's ability to not only understand numerical concepts, but to be able to apply those strategies to problems by using mathematical thinking.  My approach in this class is to give students the tools they need to be able to solve problems, and then allow them to experiment, fail, and try again until they get the answer.  Throughout the year, we work on developing strategies, understanding relationships, and building confidence.  As I tell my students, there is always one right answer in math, but there is not just one way to get there.  

This class uses Dimensions Math, a Singapore Math curriculum.  Singapore Math is a mastery-based approach to math, where students progress from concrete examples (real life), to pictures, and finally apply their knowledge to the abstract, using numbers and algorithms.  Students do a lot of hands-on work, as well as, mental math.  Instead of mimicking procedures, they learn how to think mathematically and apply what they know to solve problems.  

I specialize in personalized learning, and I try to meet the needs of each and every student in my class.  This class size is small--I max at 6 students--so each child has a chance to participate often, gain confidence, and so that I can give every student the attention they need.  Because the class is structured this way, it is very important that students are at the right math level. It's perfectly okay if you enroll your child in the wrong level at first.  (Sometimes it's easier to tell where a child fits in, just by having them play games in a few classes!) However, be aware that I may suggest moving them up or down a level once I get to know them.  

If you'd like more help placing your child, please see the prerequisites below, or reach out to me with any questions.   

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CLASS FORMAT 
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This class is for students working in Level 4B (roughly 4th grade) in the Dimensions (or other Singapore) curriculum.  Class time consists of instruction of the material, as well as time to practice through games and other activities.  The general format is as follows, though I do change things based on the topic we are covering and the needs of the students.  Often games have many "teachable moments" where instruction is integrated.   

5-10 minutes:  Instruction in math or in the game we are playing
20-25 minutes:  Game play or activity
15 minutes:  Review of the workbook pages

Students are expected to be working on math outside of class.  At the beginning of each week I post workbook pages from the Dimensions 4B workbook.  These pages are highly recommended, as they offer additional practice and are scaffolded to help students develop better mathematical thinking.  We DO NOT go over every problem in the workbook pages, however, I do reserve about 15 minutes at the end of each class to review the pages or answer specific questions students may have.  

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2024 SCHEDULE 
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This class begins the week of January 13, 2025 and ends the week of May 26, 2025.  Level 5A follows this class and will begin July of 2025.

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PREREQUISITES
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Singapore Math is structured a little bit differently than other math programs.  In order to succeed in this level 4 class, your child should know the following skills: 

-Has memorized most of their multiplication facts 
-Can multiply 2-digit by 1-digit numbers
-Has been introduced to long division
-Has been introduced to fractions

If you're not sure about what level is best for your child, you can get a placement test here: https://www.singaporemath.com/placement-tests/
Learning Goals
At the end of the semester, your student will be able to:
 
-Use measurements conversions to solve problems
-Solve area & perimeter problem
-Understand how decimals relate to fractions
-Add & subtract fractions
-Multiply & divide fractions
-Measure angles
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Singapore Dimensions Math Curriculum
8 Units
36 Lessons
over 18 Weeks
Unit 1: Chapter 10: Measurement
Lesson 1:
Measurement Conversions
 Students review how to convert measurements to solve problems.  Then they work together to complete Measuring Tasks to practice. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Measurement Conversions
 Students continue working on Measuring Tasks to practice measuring conversions. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Measurement Conversions
 Students continue working on Measuring Tasks to practice measuring conversions. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Measurement Conversions
 Students continue working on Measuring Tasks to practice measuring conversions. 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Pre-Requisites
Students enrolling in this class should: -Have all their multiplication facts memorized -Know how to do long multiplication and long division -Understand equivalent fractions, simplifying fractions, and adding and subtracting fractions
Supply List
I will provide downloadable activity supplies (number cards, recording sheets, etc.) if they are needed for the week's games.  Many of the games require paper/pencil, index cards and dice, so having those on hand will be helpful.  

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MATERIALS:
Dimensions 4B Workbook, available here for about $14:  https://www.singaporemath.com/collections/dimensions-math-pk-5/products/dimensions-math-workbook-4b

Protractor (for weeks 14-17)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
225reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I am a certified elementary teacher who has been teaching hands-on math to young children for over 25 years.  I have taught in a variety of settings, including public school, private school, and homeschool environments.  I have been teaching Math on Outschool for over 4 years.  

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$44

weekly or $775 for 36 classes
2x per week, 18 weeks
45 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 8-10
3-6 learners per class

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