WESM philosophy of math: “In the real world of problem solving and doing mathematics, there are no answer books.  Doing mathematics includes justification as a means of determining whether an answer is correct.”  

John A. Van de Walle (Elementary and Middle School Mathematics:Teaching Developmentally)

Mathematics uses patterns and strategies to analyze situations and solve problems.  Looking for these patterns and understanding them help us deal with real-life issues.  The beauty of mathematical understanding is that we can apply it to every moment of our lives.

Components of Mathematical Understanding

 
Math lessons that apply to life 

1. Understand the issue
2. Find the essential points.
3. Try to see the problem from many angles
4. Look for patterns
5. Take the first step.  (Even the most difficult problem can be broken into smaller and easier problems).
6. Make mistakes, but don’t give up.
7. Examine mistakes from different points of view.
8. Aim is for logical and creative thinking
9. Analyze and revise solutions to develop mastery
10. The more we know the more questions we have.

    ---