The DreamBox educator newsletter: supporting elementary math education
DreamBox Learning partners with educators to support math education. Our
newsletters include a broad range of topics: how students learn, the role of technology,
classroom tips, and much more
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Now DreamBox Learning K-2 Math is K-3!
In the year since DreamBox Learning launched our online math learning
program, we’ve won more than 20 major awards. We’ve received
more than 40 rave product reviews. And thousands of classrooms are
using the DreamBox Math Classroom, in every state and Canadian province.
Why does that matter to you? Because DreamBox is helping so many students
learn math in effective and engaging ways. And, because DreamBox Learning
K-2 Math is now K-3 Math, even more students can have fun learning math!
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More math, more fun
Now more students can get serious learning
that’s seriously fun! In DreamBox Learning K-3 Math, we’ve
added more than 100 new lessons covering the 3rd grade Number and
Operations and Algebra Focal Points set by the National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) — there are now over 500 lessons in
our curriculum!
And with 10 new virtual manipulatives, we help students solve problems multiple ways.
For example, here are a few new 3rd grade lessons you can try:
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Place Value.
A firm understanding of place value is a crucial part of developing
number sense and strategies for computation. DreamBox uses the context
of packing groups (pallets of 1000, cases of 100 and boxes of 10) to
introduce the idea that in numerals, “place determines value”.
Using our new place value workspace virtual manipulative, students
experiment with packing and unpacking in a variety of situations.
Play sample lessons.
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Multiplication Array Pictures.
DreamBox teaches the concept of multiplication using various models,
such as repeated jumps on a number line, picture arrays, and area models.
In our new array pictures manipulative, we arrange items in rows and
columns to encourage students towards skip-counting and repeated addition
using groups, instead of counting by ones. Later, an object obscures part
of the array, compelling use of a higher-level strategy.
Play sample lessons.
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Multiplication Area Models.
DreamBox uses area models to support the development of multiplicative
thinking. Students complete activities covering a rectangle using smaller
rectangles. Originally they are shown with column and row grid lines. As
grid lines are removed students work with open arrays. By physically
moving the rectangles, students explore the big ideas in multiplication,
such as the distributive, associative and commutative properties.
Play sample lessons.
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Find the Factors.
Students use our excellent Snap Blocks™ virtual manipulative to find
factors for products up to 100 (50 on this particular sample lesson). Not
only does this build understanding of the concept of multiplication, but it
also gives students a foundation for understanding later concepts such as
equivalent fractions and factoring polynomials.
Play sample lessons.
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Because DreamBox Learning K-3 Math provides
over 500 lessons and puzzles, and because we adapt every aspect of
the learning experience for each student, there are millions of possible
paths through the curriculum — providing the most effective,
individualized learning! Now 3rd graders (or other students ready for
3rd grade content) can benefit from playing DreamBox too!
Any teacher can sign up for a
free 30-day classroom trial
of DreamBox Learning K-3 Math.
Tell a 3rd grade teacher
about DreamBox today!
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Did you know?
If you buy DreamBox now for the next school year, students can play today for free!
Pricing is now available for the 2010-2011 school
year, with discounts for school-wide and district-wide implementations
AND with a very special offer: if you purchase the DreamBox Math Classroom
now for next year you can start using the subscription now, so students
new to DreamBox get a free head start!
Now you can
request a quote for your classroom, school or district
(for school use only, or for School Plus Home access).
Another prestigious award for DreamBox Learning
DreamBox has been awarded the
Mom’s Choice Gold Award,
honoring excellence in family-friendly media and products. This brings our
‘medal count’ to more than 20 top education and parenting awards!
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Hear from your peers: What educators are saying about DreamBox
“As a mathematician and educator, I have been impressed by the
digital learning tools and activities DreamBox has developed. I
appreciate how the continuous data collection and analysis within the
DreamBox program ensures that activities appropriately personalize
the learning experience for each student. Our school district
is using DreamBox Learning in 18 elementary schools, and
teachers have been impressed with the detailed student reporting and
the differentiated experience that students receive. I am so confident
that DreamBox helps our students in mathematics that I purchased it
for my own son.”
— Dr. Tim Hudson, K-12 Coordinator of Mathematics, Parkway School District
“In independent research, there was a 19% average increase
in assessment test scores after only 4 hours (on average) of
playing DreamBox Learning. For second graders to be able to learn from
a game-like mathematics program, then transfer that learning to a
traditional paper-and-pencil test is impressive.”
— Dr. Margaret Jorgensen, Harcourt Assessment (retired), SVP
“DreamBox Learning is one of the most effective programs
I have seen in my 42 years of teaching. Children’s skill
levels are individually assessed in number sense and computation, and
each child is placed at the appropriate level for growth and success.
This level of sophistication is unheard of. When they complete a section
and choose a game to play, the content reflects their growing skills
and determines which lessons are appropriate at that moment. They are
excited each day to play it, and, more importantly, it’s working!”
— Kathleen Marshall, 2nd/3rd grade teacher, Juanita Elementary School
“We’re using DreamBox Learning K-3 Math with our students,
both in general classrooms and as a targeted intervention with students
that are below grade level. The management features let teachers easily
gain insights into each student’s knowledge and react appropriately.
We like the self-paced curriculum and level of engagement —
it’s really making a positive difference in math achievement.”
—David Petett, Principal of Campbellsville Elementary School
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