Browse Curriculum

Mathematics

Mathematics instruction in Kindergarten through Grade 6 is based in the Math in Focus© curriculum, which was introduced at Nashoba Brooks in 2015. Students in Grade 7 study Pre-Algebra, and students in Grade 8 cover Algebra 1. 

Click on a grade below to see a summary of that grade's work in Mathematics. Please note: Each description lists that grade's guiding question or questions, topics covered in that area, and an overview of skills developed through this subject.
  • Mathematics in Preschool

    Over two years:

    How do we count and order objects in our world and everyday life?

    Topics of Study:
    Numbers • Shapes • Graphing • Measuring • Sorting • Patterning

    Skills We Teach:
    Counting • Quantifying • Ordering • Sorting • Pattern recognition and production • Measuring • Graphing • Estimating • Sequencing • Problem solving
  • Mathematics in Kindergarten

    How can I use math to understand the world around me?

    Topics of Study:
    Estimation • Patterns • Symmetry • Graphing • Counting • Grouping • Number formation • Logic • Odds/Evens • Problem solving • Number operations • Introduction to place value

    Skills We Teach:
    Sorting • Classifying • Comparing • Counting • Forming numbers • Recognizing, continuing, and creating patterns • Interpreting graphs and Venn diagrams • Weighing objects • Introduction to monetary values • Geometric shapes • Problem solving and participating in discussions
  • Mathematics in Grade 1

    How can we use math in our everyday lives?

    Topics of Study:
    Patterns • Measurement • Time • Money sense • Classification • Attributes • Geometry • Symmetry • Counting • Creating and reading graphs • Data collection and interpretation • Word problems • Place value • Number sense and operations • Estimation • Logic • Problem Solving

    Skills We Teach:
    Estimating, predicting, measuring time and weight • Recording and interpreting data • Reading and writing numbers • Addition • Subtraction • Place value • Money: recording, counting, and making change • Identifying solid shapes • Constructing and identifying polygons • Sorting groups by attributes • Developing and communicating problem-solving strategies
  • Mathematics in Grade 2

    How can I begin to speak the language of Mathematics?

    Topics of Study:
    Addition and subtraction facts • Place Value • Telling Time • Money • Geometry • Beginning multiplication and division • Measurement • Fractions

    Skills We Teach:
    Modeling and solving addition and subtraction stories • Representing numbers and identifying place values to 1,000 • Composing and decomposing numbers • Completing number patterns • Identifying shapes • Improving fluency and accuracy of addition and subtraction math facts • Describing, writing, and comparing unit fractions up to fourths • Beginning multiplication and division • Using dollars and cents and writing money amounts • Reading and making picture graphs
  • Mathematics in Grade 3

    How do we as mathematicians use manipulatives, words, pictures and numbers to show our thinking?

    Topics of Study:
    Addition and subtraction • Estimation • Problem solving • Multiplication • Number sense • Division • Fractions • Decimals • Word problems • Measurement • Geometry

    Skills We Teach:
    Representing numbers and identifying place values to 10,000 • Adding and subtracting • Developing mental math addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division strategies • Modeling and solving multi-step addition and subtraction word problems • Improving fluency and accuracy of math facts • Adding and subtracting dollars and cents • Working with unit fractions to build a whole • Compare and order fractions • Interpreting and recording data in bar graphs with scales • Recognizing geometric shapes • Using appropriate forms of measurement
  • Mathematics in Grade 4

    What do mathematicians do to solve problems successfully?

    Topics of Study:
    Place value of whole numbers • Estimation & Number Theory • Whole Number Multiplication & Division • Tables & Line Graphs • Data & Probability • Fractions & Mixed Numbers • Decimals • Geometry

    Skills We Teach:
    Solidifying automaticity with math facts • Estimation • Analyzing story problems and developing strategies to solve them • Creating and analyzing graphs • Finding measures of central tendency • Mastering long division and interpreting remainders • Adding, subtracting and comparing fractions • Identifying, measuring and drawing angles and lines
  • Mathematics in Grade 5

    How can we use our math skills and concepts to understand our world?

    Topics of Study:
    Factors and multiples • Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals • 2-D Geometry • Probability • Fractions • Decimals • Percents

    Skills We Teach:
    Comparing and ordering decimals and fractions • Solving multi-step problems using multiple operations • Recognizing the omnipresence of math • Learning about a variety of number systems • Calculating the area and perimeter of various shapes and structures • Using technology to explain geometry • Problem solving • Applications of real-world problems
  • Mathematics in Grade 6

    How can I use math models to organize and make sense of real world information? 

    Topics of Study: 
    Looking at Data • Using graphs • Concepts and operations with decimals • Introductory Algebra • Understanding similar shapes • Proportional reasoning: ratio, proportion and percent • Exploring patterns 

    Skills We Teach: 
    Finding mean, median and mode of data • Creating graphical representations • Converting among multiple forms of representing rational numbers • Computing with fractions, decimals and percents • Representing relationships using tables, graphs and equations • Using similar figures and scaling • Order of operations • Expressing patterns and change using variables • Deciding when answers are “reasonable” • Developing problem solving strategies
  • Mathematics in Grade 7

    Pre-Algebra

    How can I represent patterns and relationships that model real-world phenomena?


    Topics of Study:
    Integers • Rational numbers • Exponents • Absolute value • Variables • Order of operations • Scientific notation • The Number Line and Coordinate Plane • Inequalities • Linear functions • Probability • Counting choices • Proportional reasoning • Measurement • Area • Volume • Proportion • Percent applications

    Skills We Teach:
    Computing with integers, fractions and decimals • Simplifying expressions • Solving one variable equations • Solving problems involving discount and interest • Solving problems involving volume, perimeter, area, and surface area • Using the distributive property • Graphing on the coordinate plane • Introduction to inequalities • Problem solving skills • Standardized test taking techniques
  • Mathematics in Grade 8

    Algebra I 

    How do I use Algebraic tools to explore, model and solve real life problems? 

    Topics of Study: 
    Algebraic expressions • Functions • Rational numbers, • Cartesian coordinate graphs • Developing and solving linear functions and inequalities • Working with systems of equations and inequalities • Graphing and solving exponential and quadratic functions • Polynomials and factoring • Radicals and applying the quadratic formula • Data analysis 

    Skills We Teach: 
    Simplifying expressions • Solving multi-step one-variable equations and inequalities • Graphing and analyzing linear, quadratic, absolute value, and exponential functions • Calculating and simplifying rational, exponential and radical expressions • Solving systems • Factoring polynomials • Using a variety of methods to solve quadratic functions • Solving word problems • Preparing for a cumulative exam
  • Photo of Duncan Flaherty
    Duncan Flaherty
    Middle School Math, Grade 6 Advisor
    Bio
  • Photo of Peggy Gaffny
    Peggy Gaffny
    Director of Auxiliary Programs
    978-369-4591
    Southern New Hampshire University - B.A.
    Lesley University - M.Ed
    Bio
  • Photo of Kerry Stevens
    Kerry Stevens
    Director of Admission
    978-369-4591 ext 212
    Boston College - B.S.
    Wheelock College - M.Ed.
    Bio
Situated on a beautiful 30-acre campus in historic Concord, Massachusetts, Nashoba Brooks School enrolls all genders in Preschool through Grade 3, and students identifying as girls in Grades 4 through 8. Nashoba Brooks is an independent school designed to build community, character, and confidence in its students.
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