Abstract
The lack of preparation and training provided to new multiage teachers can be a large disadvantage of a multitage program. Integrated and multilevel curriculum for multiage programs is non-existent and instruction particularly in the areas of math and reading tend to become segregated by grade. Developing a multiage math handbook will help eliminate the segregation of students by grade in a multiage classroom. It will also provide a specialized curriculum to a program that is often overwhelming to new recruits. Purpose of Project This purpose of this project is to develop a handbook to assist multiage educators with teaching math to a K-2 age range and encourage more teachers to enter the K-2 multiage program. Research in the field of cognitive research and social sciences provide the basis for the design of this handbook. Lessons incorporate cooperative, family-like, social environments due to their affect on students’ learning processes. The handbook employed developmentally appropriate teaching practices and incorporated lessons that utilized open-ended questioning to encourage students to invent and practice new skills, honor multiple methods and elicit student explanations. Project Description This project is based on incorporating The California Mathematics Content Standards for grades K-2 into interactive, hands-on cooperative lessons. There are 15 lessons which cover all five strands of The California Mathematics Content Standards: Number Sense; Algebra and Functions; Measurement and Geometry; Statistics, Data Analysis and Probability; and Mathematical Reasoning. Each lesson contains an Introduction, Activity Directions, Key Questions, and Extensions. In addition, standards which are color coded by grade, materials, and time frames are provided. The lessons require mixed-age groups of students to work cooperatively to complete tasks and projects in a fun and safe environment. It also provides examples of open-ended teacher questions to help students communicate and explain their method or thinking behind their solutions and reasoning. Blackline masters are provided and pictures demonstrating student work are also included.