For the next six weeks, we will continue to work on our School Development Plan (SDP) goals, with a specific focus on math.  In November, our SDP was published on our website, discussed at School Council, and written about as part of the November Principal’s message.

On Friday afternoons after dismissal, teachers meet for planning and professional development purposes.  On February 2, we started a “Math Sprint” which includes a specific focus of Productive Struggle in math for grades Kindergarten to grade 4.  Our sprint will be six weeks long.  During the professional development on February 2, I shared with teachers some educational research about productive struggle and what it could look like in the learning context of Janet Johnstone School.  Teachers engaged in a fun math task that had them wrapped up in a productive struggle of their own!

So, what is Productive Struggle? 

(The following is an excerpt from our School Development Plan)

As a universal approach for all learners, the opportunity for productive struggle fosters a safe learning environment where students can take risks and progress through the feedback given.  The book, The Culture Code written by Daniel Coyle, describes belonging cues and lists one of them being individualization (page 11).  The author shares that belonging cues help humans to form safe connections (page 10).  When teachers meet students where they are at in their learning (individualization), students feel set up for success.  Students feel a sense of security in that their teacher knows exactly what they need and where they are “at” in their learning journey.  When students feel safe, they will take risks in their learning and feel safe to make mistakes.  This is called Productive Struggle.

Productive Struggle is when students spend time grappling with perplexing problems or work really hard to make sense of challenging ideas.  It’s effortful practice that goes beyond passive reading, listening, or watching.  This builds useful, lasting understanding and skill.

Each grade team has planned a summative task that will encourage all students to engage in productive struggle.  Teachers will be teaching a variety of mini lessons in math to support the skills necessary for the open ended summative task.  This project will be completed in time for students to share with their parents during Student-Led conferences on March 21 and 22.

In the mean-time, please feel free to ask your child(ren) about what they’re working on in math.  Remember, it’s okay if they tell you it’s hard!  We want them to access their prior knowledge of the skills, use their newly acquired skills and work through the problem over time.  This is an incredible math opportunity for all of our students!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or reach out to me directly.

Mrs. Kivi