Instructional Program
Sample tasks from Stage 3, Level 1: Addition to 5, Missing Whole
Support Students Who Need Help in Math
The best practices in developmental psychology and cognitive science are the cornerstones of Symphony Math®. Our uniquely designed delivery methods ensure that students – regardless of learning styles or knowledge levels – fully grasp fundamental mathematical ideas, even for difficult-to-explain and abstract concepts. The result is a solid foundation for acquiring higher math skills, as well as a positive learning experience. The primary elements in the Symphony Math® approach, which cover Common Core Math standards in grades K-5, include:
Conceptual Sequences of the Most Important Mathematical Ideas
A tightly connected progression forms the conceptual sequence of Symphony Math®. These underlying “big ideas” provide the foundation for mathematical learning. As students master each big idea before moving on to the next, they learn to succeed with more complicated math later on.
| Mathematical Topic | Underlying Big Idea |
|---|---|
| Sequencing, Number | Quantity |
| Addition and Subtraction | Parts-to-whole |
| Place Value | Hierarchical grouping |
| Multiplication and Division | Repeated equal grouping |
| Multi-digit Addition and Subtraction | Hierarchical grouping coordinated with parts-to-whole |
| Fractions | Repeated equal grouping coordinated with parts-to-whole |
Multiple Ways of Knowing
Six distinct activity environments provide multiple representations of each concept and integrate with the conceptual sequence.
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Manipulatives | Conceptually understand what the concept “looks like” |
| Manipulatives & Symbols | Explicitly connect symbols to visual representations |
| Symbols | Understand concepts at abstract levels |
| Auditory Sentences | Learn the formal language of math |
| Story Problems | Apply learning to real life problem solving |
| Mastery Round | Develop immediate recall of number relationships |
Adaptive Learning Engine
Students’ path through the Symphony Math® program is adjusted during each session of use. As students show mastery, they move quickly to new material. When they demonstrate a need for more practice, they more more deliberately through content, going through all available visual models and moving from concrete to abstract representations.
The dynamic branching of Symphony Math allows students to learn at their own levels. As the program illuminates an area of need, progress slows until the student achieves the necessary understanding. Students will move in and out of different branching modes as they work through the program. If they are challenged, and remain in a Focus Group for multiple attempts, they will be flagged in the ‘HELP’ data view on your Symphony Dashboard.