If I Had a Hammer
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The Big Inch
If I Had A Hammer recommends student teams are created to use The Big Inch. The student teams work together to solve problems and create their own fraction problems using The Big Inch. Once the new problem is created, the teams take turn presenting their own problems to the class. Children will learn presentation skills and are required to use their new “Math Language” as they present.
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The Big Inch
If I Had A Hammer’s The Big Inch uses color to connect various sized blocks and markers to the algorithms of fractions. Children will start out calling the parts only by color. When they are ready, the color verbiage goes away and the colored blocks become 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 etc.
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The Big Inch
Children work with teammates to discuss fraction problems. The partners are paired to share information and communicate in “Math Language” as they learn together.
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The Big Inch
The If I Had A Hammer philosophy teaches all mathematics from three different perspectives. Children must understand the physical application of the numbers, they must understand the visual representation of the numbers and finally they must be able to put their core knowledge of math to paper.
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The Big Inch
When our children quit “taking math” and start “working with math” they do not ask “why” do I need this?”
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The Big Inch
The pairing of children using If I Had A Hammer’s The Big Inch is very important. When children work in teams they learn to problem solve, to work collaboratively and listen to another person’s perspective.
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The Big Inch
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The Big Inch
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The Curriculum
The If I Had A Hammer Math Curriculum teaches applied mathematics. Each lesson is project based and created to move with the natural rhythm of the children.
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The Curriculum
If I Had A Hammer always begins each lesson teaching the “Big Picture” concepts of math. Children need to step back and absorb the information at first to fully understand the connections.
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The Curriculum
Once the “Big Picture” is understood we need to zoom in and focus on the details. Math problems need to be seen as a step-by-step process.
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The Curriculum
Math should never be a passive subject. Children should view math as an amazing creative process. If we lived in a perfect world all children would wear a helmet and mouthpiece to math class!
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The Curriculum
Children need to learn to break problems down into manageable parts. This requires listening to and working with other teammates to jointly create a plan of attack to solve the problem.
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The Curriculum
Learning to physically apply fractions, measurement and scaling gives children the ability to begin creating heir own architectural designs. When children design their own “dream homes” they develop real ownership to their drawings. During this process children are actually designing their own math problems.
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The Curriculum
The physical application of mathematics requires children to initially understand the concept and then visualize actual measurement.
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The Curriculum
Teaching If I Had A Hammer is not about lecturing or leading children to an obvious answer. Hammer is a discovery process. This philosophy requires teachers to help children think about different approaches to solving problems.
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The Curriculum
Old School is about individual accomplishments and getting the answer correct. New School teaches children to think, to listen and work with others. New School motivates children by helping them understand the value and application of the subject matter they study. New School recognizes we must raise the bar academically for our children to compete in a global community.
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The Build
The If I Had A Hammer Build is a fun experience, but more importantly it is a powerful learning experience that we believe children will never forget.
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The Build
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The Build
The If I Had A Hammer Build is a place where numbers become real.
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The Build
Children don’t “take” Area & Perimeter they work with it.
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The Build
This is where the numbers meet the wood.
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The Build
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The Build
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The Build
Children learn by actively watching listening and thinking ahead. They learn from each other and must think ahead to be prepared for their turn.
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The Build
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The Build
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The Build
Listening to instructions and working as a team begins to work for everyone.
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The Build
Our team begins to move in a perfect rhythm.
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The Build
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The Build
Teamwork is a beautiful thing!
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The Build
Children learn that nothing meaningful can be accomplished in life without teamwork.
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The Build
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The Build
