This year I will be SPIRALING the Math Curriculum. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “SPIRAL THE MATH CURRICULUM"?
In a nutshell, to spiral the Ontario Math Curriculum means that you are continually
reviewing previously taught material... versus... teaching one unit at a time.
Consistently reviewing strands allows students to tackle math with confidence because if they don’t master a skill the first time it is taught, they still get ample chances to practice their skills!!
WHY SPIRALLING LEADS TO ROBUST LEARNING:
Spiralling the Ontario Math Curriculum allows students to make connections between math concepts, which leads to robust learning. For instance, showing students how fractions relate to time (half past, a quarter to) and money (two quarters equals half a dollar) is an example of making connections between math concepts. BUT, it is difficult for students to make these connections if they learn about fractions, time, and money in isolation, just ONCE, and at separate times of the year. Spiraling allows students to see connections between math strands because strands are revisited throughout the year and integrated to explicitly show connections.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I am confident that this approach will benefit all learners, meeting the student at their current learning level.
