Visual Approach Makes Independent Practice a Breeze
Community Review for ST Math: K-6
My Take
ST Math is invaluable to the students in my school division because the instruction is primarily visual. Students with limited vocabulary and below grade level reading can still access grade level math instruction using this program. The format is more like a video game than math instruction, so it is engaging. The data provided helps me to identify students who still need some help. I think on demand audio instructions might be helpful for students working on higher math skills. Since the program is web-based, it can be included with other work sent home for students who are sick. Also, since little teacher interaction is necessary while students use it, it can be left in the plans for substitutes.
How I Use It
I can introduce the week’s objective by projecting the game to the front of the room. Walking students through the first few puzzles, I reinforce the thinking process that they need to use as they try to solve the puzzles when in the computer lab. Then students go to the computer lab 3 times a week for independent practice. While monitoring students in the lab, I can see which students are having difficulty and do some one-on-one work as necessary. This allows me to talk through the puzzle with the student and work through any misconceptions. The limited instructions allow me to use the student’s own language as we work on the puzzle together.