First in Math

SCPS has been given a "gift" of an online program called First in Math. Our free subscription runs from now through July 31st. First in Math is geared towards 2nd-6th grade students. Students log in, solve math problems, and gain virtual stickers for motivation. Next week in the computer lab, 2nd-5th grade students and teachers will receive their usernames and passwords. Teachers will have an opportunity to see all aspects of the program while their students are solving math problems and earning motivational points and stickers. If you'd like a sneek preview - go to www.firstinmath.com and click on the visitor section.

Our First in Math representative wrote to me saying..."First in Math is based on the popular Challenge 24 Card Game but with a lot more content for learning and fun. Students earn stickers, points, by solving math problems. They are in real time competition with each other and others across the district, state, and world individually, as a team (class), and as a school. The virtual stickers are just a fun way to recognize students work and reward them immediately. The program has content for basic math skills from simple addition to algebra, fractions, word problems, higher order thinking skills, time, money, patterning, place value, and much more. Georgia students alone have solved over 36 million math problems earning over 12 million stickers this school year and are getting improvements in their GPS Test scores."

SCPS is trying to parallel the First in Math program with our Reading Counts program in terms of certificate levels. Students will earn certificates for earning 500, 1000, and 1500 stickers and for solving all of the problems for thier grade level skill set.

DeRenne students began their journey in First in Math yesterday. Most students left the computer lab excited and motiviated to continue to solve more problems.

Time will tell....who is First in Math?