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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Preparing for Common Core Home-School Connection Math Vocabulary Common Core Dreambox Math Math Classroom
Summer slide K-3 Math Parent attitudes Summer slide Teacher Tools Student performance

 

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!
 

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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