First grade students in Ms. Scheffler's class use centimeter cubes to measure different animals.
At Hometown Elementary, math is more than just numbers on a page—it’s hands-on, engaging, and full of discovery! Across grade levels, students are diving into their learning through the district’s use of Illustrative Math, a program that encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world connections.
Walk into any classroom, and you’ll see students actively exploring math concepts in creative and meaningful ways. From building models to solving puzzles, Hometown Hornets are learning that math is something you do, not just something you watch.
In first grade this week, students were busy measuring like real mathematicians using centimeter cubes. They explored the lengths of different animals—ranging from tiny insects to much larger creatures—by lining up cubes end-to-end. Students compared their measurements, discussed which animals were longer or shorter, and even made predictions before measuring. The room buzzed with excitement as they discovered that math can help answer real-world questions like, “How long is a snake compared to a frog?” First grade teacher Ms. Scheffler was hands-on with her students while encouraging student-led discussions and comparisons. Using tools like centimeter cubes not only builds measurement skills but also helps students develop a strong foundation in understanding units and accuracy.
Meanwhile, in other grade levels, students are tackling equally exciting challenges. In primary classrooms, students work together to solve story problems, using drawings, numbers, and words to explain their thinking. Teachers guide discussions that allow students to share strategies, learn from one another, and build confidence in their mathematical reasoning.
In the intermediate grades, learning goes even deeper. Third-graders are exploring fractions by placing them on number lines, helping them see how numbers relate to one another. Rather than memorizing rules, students are discovering patterns and making sense of fractions through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations. These experiences help students build a deeper understanding that will support them in more advanced math concepts. In Mrs. Sweetser's classroom, one student said, "I love the digital games we get to play and also the hands-on math manipulatives we use. The fraction strips are my favorite!"
What makes Illustrative Math so special is its focus on student thinking. At Hometown, teachers encourage students to explain their reasoning, ask questions, and even make mistakes as part of the learning process. Classrooms are filled with rich discussions where students learn that there can be more than one way to solve a problem.
The result? Confident learners who are not afraid to take risks and think critically.
As Hometown Elementary continues to implement Illustrative Math, one thing is clear: math is alive and thriving in every classroom. Whether measuring animals with centimeter cubes, solving puzzles with classmates, or exploring fractions on a number line, students are building skills that will last a lifetime.
At Hometown, math truly adds up to success!