Constructing Mathematical Understanding

Overview

This five day course is designed for pre-K, elementary, and middle school educators. Participants will experience a fun and theme based way to teach math across all the subject areas! This hands-on interactive course offers techniques for teaching math concepts through a variety of student learning style approaches. In addition, we highlight how to blend these varied techniques with traditional teaching methodologies and grade level requirements. Learn unique ways to use manipulatives for teaching new concepts, extending current understandings as well as for easy and detailed assessments. The techniques explored in this course will work in conjunction with your existing curricula. Nobody attending this course will be put on the spot to share their mathematical skills, so whether you are a math expert or not, you will have fun while learning new techniques to take back to your classrooms.

• For teachers of pre-K through 8th grade
• Explore ways to use a theme to weave math into your literature, science, writing and social studies projects.
• Differentiated and hands-on approach
• Learn how to introduce, refine and extend specific math concepts for your students through the use of hands-on materials.
• Develop teaching and assessment techniques that align with various levels of student understanding and curricular standards for each math strand.
• Apply these new concepts and techniques directly to your school’s current math curriculum
• All experience levels welcome. Come and explore!

Instructors

Melissa Chittenden is currently the Assistant Head of School at University Child Development School. Melissa has worked as a teacher and school administrator for more than 30 years. She is also an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University. She is an international presenter and consultant for curricular topics as well as the author of an upcoming hands-on math book for elementary teachers. Melissa holds an MA from Seattle University in Non-Profit Business Leadership, a BA in Human Development and Education as well as an AA in Early Childhood Education. She specializes in teaching educators throughout the world how to use hands-on math activities in ways that support the various student learning styles found within every classroom.

David Garrick is the Dean of the Graduate School of Education at the UCDS College for School Culture. He has been an educator, administrator, and consultant for over twenty years. David has led workshops and classes for adults across the country that include topics such as: concretizing concepts with hands-on learning, inquiry based teaching, student advocacy, and arts integration. David holds a B.A. in History from the University of Washington and an M.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Montana. He earned his Washington State teaching credentials from Western Washington University. David specializes in teaching about school culture’s impact on student success by identifying cultural elements that support student and teacher engagement.

The UCDS Institute hosts a variety of events, courses, and educational workshops throughout the year. Our offerings range from one-off evening seminars and speaker events to intensive, credit-bearing courses. Our instructors are experienced UCDS teachers and workshops are designed so that the techniques explored will work in conjunction with your existing curricula. Our expert faculty designs workshops and courses to be informative, hands-on and most of all, fun!

Whether held on our Seattle campus or hosted at your school, UCDS Institute workshops are some of the most informative and fun professional development you’ll find anywhere! Contact us to learn more about how you can host or attend one of our events, courses, or workshops.