Gradually I've learned that he benefits best from a mastery approach, versus a spiral approach. Sometimes I think we underestimate just how much we have to practice something to really have a grasp, at least a working grasp that we can carry with us to the next concept, right? And sometimes getting a grasp on a new concept isn't all that straight forward because the leap from where you are currently to where you need to be is much too large.
Enter a program called JUMP Math. I read an article in the New York Times about it. Here's the link to the article:
Kind of unique because this program is primarily used in the UK and in Canada; I haven't taken the time to correlate their standards to ours, and if you've been hanging around my blog long enough, you probably already know that I don't pay that much attention to standards, anyway. Manmade gobbledy gook in some cases.
What's really different about this program is that it breaks down concepts in math into micro steps; tiny little incremental jumps (ahhh - the link to the curriculum's name!) that allows a child to experience success and build confidence in doing math. It also puts a different spin on math problems and helps a child to "see" what is asked for in the problem.
Jump Math, at least in Canada and the UK, has been successful in doing away with the bell-shaped curve in classrooms. Teachers who have implemented this special curriculum have been able to bring ALL of their students up to the 90+ percentile. No child is left in the dust to fend for him or herself! Kids that were labeled as slow learners have gone on to compete in math competitions and have done great! That's what strikes me about JUMP - it believes in the child until the child is able to believe in him or herself. Cool!
The program's originator, John Mighton, believes that all children can acquire math skills all the way up through the university level and flourish while they are at it. Here is what the website quotes:
JUMP Math believes that all children can be led to think mathematically, and that with even a modest amount of attention every child will flourish. By demonstrating that even children who are failing math or who are labeled as slow learners can excel at math, we hope to dispel the myths that currently prevail. We offer educators and parents complete and balanced materials as well as training to help them reach all students.
I've looked over the sample worksheets, the introductory program on fractions, and some testimonials so far. Good to this point. Still want to dig a little deeper. The introductory program on fractions is available as a pdf on their website, free of charge, so it wouldn't be a problem to at least try JUMP at home.
Here's a link to their website: JUMP Math
Here's a link to their website: JUMP Math
JUMP math even has a YouTube channel! Might be worth a peek. I bet the article in the NY Times will help boost their exposure and that's probably a great thing for kids! Check it out if you're curious.
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We started JUMP at Home about 2 weeks ago as a co-curriculum with the Kumon workbooks, which we have used all this "school year." I like it so far. I backed up a bit with them to let them learn to follow the directions, pay attention to the sample problem at the top, and complete the worksheets largely independently without any stress. So they have worked Kumon 2nd grade all this year, except for the word problems, and are currently starting 2nd grade JUMP (but at a fast clip) while continuing to finish 2nd / start 3rd in Kumon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment about JUMP. Glad to hear it is a good fit for your family. May you continue to be satisfied with it!
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