At Fiddlehead, we believe that math is best understood through real-life problem solving and hands-on experiences. Math isn’t just about numbers; it’s about exploring objects, shapes, and relationships. Whether observing snow accumulation to learn about quantities and climate change or building a tower out of newspaper and tape to understand the impact of shape on the strength of a material and weight distribution, math comes to life through real-world activities. Field trips and outdoor exploration play key roles in making math relevant and exciting.

Our approach emphasizes concrete experiences with materials to help children grasp mathematical concepts. Using the Investigations math curriculum, we integrate math into everyday activities. Students learn to think flexibly, solve problems in different ways, and explain their reasoning. We provide opportunities for reinforcement and extension through small group instruction, meeting each child where they are.

To assess progress, we use formative activities, the Work Sampling System, and benchmark assessments like those from Investigations and NWEA for Grades 2–8, with a focus on mathematics, reading, and language.