Where can a PS 8 parent learn about estimation, number lines, unifix cubes, analog clocks, doubles facts, and patterns galore? In Kristen Hochleutner‘s second grade Bridges Math Workshop! That’s where I was last week, along with about 20 other second grade parents and their kids. During the hour long workshop, Ms. Hochleutner introduced the parents to a new way of thinking about math. The kids are already well on the road to looking at math problems very differently than most of us did as kids. 28 plus 34? No more adding 8 plus 4, coming up with 12, and carrying the 1. Instead, students add 20 plus 30 and then add 12 to that total. Same answer, different thought process. According to Principal Phillips, that is how “math people” think. While the second graders and their parents were with Ms. Hochleutner, the kindergarteners, first graders, and their parents were learning about the Bridges curriculum with Ms. Long, Ms. Field, and Mr. Levy. What an intriguing way to spend an hour on a Tuesday night!
In the time we spent with Ms. Hochleutner she was able to give us only a taste of what Bridges offers our kids. There is a lot more to learn — you can start on the curriculum page of this website.
By Amy Appelbaum