Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

1. What materials do I need to run MathCamp?

You will receive a printed and digital copy of your Teachers Guide and a set of student-facing slide decks to support you in teaching MathCamp. In your printed Teachers Guide, you will find: 20 scripted lessons; 20 graphic organizers (1 per day); and a series of supplemental materials. The graphic organizers and supplemental materials are designed to be copied directly from your Teachers Guide and distributed to campers. Your Teachers Guide materials are also available digitally on the grade-specific page of the MathCamp Hub. You can also find your student-facing slide decks on the grade-specific page of the MathCamp Hub. 

2. Help! I need to quickly know what the components of each lesson are. Where can I find this?

No fears! You can find an in-depth walkthrough of a MathCamp lesson on the MathCamp Hub bulletin board under “MathCamp Walk-Through”.

3. What do I do if I can’t print or copy a suggested MathCamp material? 

Don’t worry! If you don’t have access to a printer or copier. There are many ways to run your MathCamp lesson.
Some solutions include:

• Omit the graphic organizer and, instead, show campers the slide decks while they work. Campers can refer to the images on the slide decks to do their independent math work. 

• Refer to the graphic organizer in your Teachers Guide and write the questions from the graphic organizer on your board for all students to see. Have campers copy these questions on a sheet of blank paper or, if campers need greater assistance, you can take a blank piece of paper per camper and write the question from your Teachers Guide graphic organizer on the top of the paper for the campers to refer to. 

• Project the image of your graphic organizer on your smartboard from your digital copy of the MathCamp Teachers Guide, or from the MathCamp Hub. 

• Refer to the supplemental materials in your Teachers Guide and draw it for campers on a blank piece of paper. If the lesson calls for a specific supplemental material, consider using something you have in your classroom as a close substitute. We also recommend the website flippity.net for digital versions of counting cards, spinners, and other useful tools that might assist in running a lesson. 

• Focus more MathCamp time on the Opening and Closing Routines for that day. This might look like shortening your Math Power time and extending the time spent in Opening and Closing Campfire. 

4. What do I do if my internet access is not available? 

We recommend downloading all your slide decks prior to use for this reason. However, if this is not possible, some solutions include:

• Follow your printed Teachers Guide to run your lesson.

• Focus more MathCamp time on the Opening and Closing Routines for that day. This might look like shortening your Math Power time and extending the time spent in Opening and Closing Campfire. 

• View slides on the MathCamp Hub via your phone. Draw the images on the board or on sheets of blank paper for your campers. If images are too complex to easily draw, focus on parts of the lesson that require simpler visuals, such as the Opening or Closing routines. 

• Look for “no-prep” activities in your Community Math handbook and select a variety of these to play.

5. What do I do if I don’t have the recommended physical materials or manipulatives?

We provide copyable and printable templates for most of the necessary manipulatives for MathCamp. You can find them after the lesson in your printed Teachers Guide, and in a separate downloadable file on your grade specific page of the Hub.

6. What do I do if I have not yet received a printed Teachers Guide? 

Contact your site administrator first. If you can’t reach your administrator, please email info@deweycommunity.com. Please keep in mind that everything is available on the Hub. So even without a printed guide, you can access all lesson content.

7. What do I do if I can’t display my slides for some reason?

• If you cannot display your slides on any given day, you can draw simple images to share with your campers to correlate with the images and questions provided by the slides! Use the Slide Key from your Teachers Guide to assist you in the re-creation of these images. 

• Make sure to ask a colleague or your site principal for help in accessing the slides going forward. They will be a good support to you. If you need one-on-one guidance to do this, please email info@deweycommunity.com and we can give you a quick tutorial.

8. Is there an app you’d recommend that can support my work with MathCamp?

We recommend using flippity.net to provide resources you may not be able to print out. Flippity provides free tools such as spinners, flashcards, randomizers, and even games and activities to do with your classroom!

9. In a nutshell, what is the content of MathCamp? 

MathCamp is based on a powerful research pedagogy on the importance of developing problem solving skills, a positive disposition for mathematics, and numerical reasoning, all to build confidence and achievement. Here at MathCamp, we wrap all that in a cocoon of a camp theme: the joyous summer spirit that makes learning possible and builds resilience and perseverance.

10. How much time should I spend on each portion of the day?

You will receive a custom schedule for your time block from your district. If you have not, email info@deweycommunity.com and let us know how many minutes you have, and we will provide you with a custom schedule to match.

11. How do I use my Community Math Handbook?

The Community Math Handbook online is where you will find simple instructions for all Community Math activities. In each lesson, a Community Math “Key” offers recommendations as to which activities best match the day’s lesson. The Community Math Handbook can be found online on the MathCamp Hub. 

12. How do I use Family Connections materials?

You can access Family Connection materials on your grade-specific page of the MathCamp Hub. The Family Connection documents include games and activities to use at home as well as different routines campers use throughout the day. The Family Connection materials also offer information about Math Heroes to share with families at home. 

13. How can I incorporate the Math Heroes throughout the day?

Every day, read the Math Hero Letter aloud to Campers. Campers will hear from the Math Hero of the day in a (fictional) letter to inspire thinking about the different purposes of math in the world. Read the letter aloud to campers to learn about STEM connections and to encourage them to see themselves as mathematicians and to learn how people use mathematics to change the world. Share with the campers the Math Hero Prompt provided for you each day. Campers will be given the opportunity to make STEM connections between the Math Hero’s story and how math appears in their own lives, while also giving them a chance to practice speaking, listening, and writing skills. Invite campers to respond to a prompt by turning and talking with a fellow camper, or writing in response to it. Finally, there is always a Math Hero Connect at the end of the day. This prompt connects the life of the Hero to the work your campers did in Math Power.

14. Where will I find Spanish lessons?

Find Spanish MathCamp lessons on the grade-specific page of MathCamp Hub directly next to the button for the English lessons under the ‘Scripted Lessons’ header. 

15. How do I use the Multilingual Support?

Multilingual learners can face some challenges when engaged in math learning. They may confuse math vocabulary that is common in other subject areas. For example, “odd” in ELA has a different definition in mathematics. Also, words like “area”, “set”, “pattern”, “right”, and “sum”, are difficult because they have different meanings but the same sound as other words (sum/some). This is why we have created daily multilingual support strategies for you. Each day you will see Multilingual Support Sheets at the end of your lesson. This page includes questions to support oral production in multilingual campers, language support for all learners, vocabulary callouts, multilingual language teacher support, and before, during, and after instructional support. Take a close look at these before you begin your lesson each day! 

16. I’m not much of a singer, but I see there are MathCamp songs available for Pre-K and K Grades. What do I do if I don’t feel comfortable singing these songs?

Don’t stress! Our MathCamp songs could be read as poems as well, so feel free to simply read them aloud instead! Take a moment to visit “Camp Decor and Environment” to hear how songs are sung. You can use the videos themselves to share or you can just practice a bit and enjoy realizing you might have a better voice than you think! Also, there will be several campers who love to sing. You can nominate each week a set of “Song Leaders:” and have the campers run opening songs. The purpose of the songs is to build community, alleviate anxiety, and help campers feel a sense of belonging.

17. I am creative in how I talk with students. Do I have to read the scripting you’ve provided us?

The scripting is meant to serve as a guide – so please feel inspired to bring your own words and voice to this work! However, we do encourage you to fully read the entire script each and every day prior to beginning the work. The scripts are there for a reason: to guide you pedagogically and practically through the stages of mathematics exploration. We want you to both love the experience of teaching MathCamp in your own voice and style and also be sure you receive the knowledge of the authors in how they will help you teach math in creative ways to your campers.

18. Should I give homework?

There is no formal homework required for MathCamp, but we have instead created a unique set of mathematics-rich Family Engagement materials designed to go home with Campers to keep joyful and inclusive learning going during and after camp. Copy or print these and send them home with your campers. You can also email or text these ideas home to families. Or you can ask your site administrator to send these activities home in a weekly newsletter. You can find all materials on the Family Connections section of your grade-specific page of the MathCamp Hub. 

19. What do I do if I have a multi-age/multi-grade group of campers?

MathCamp creates a “low floor and high ceiling” approach to mathematics: to be flexible to meet the needs of a varied classroom. For a multiage grouping, consider the group of campers you are teaching and speak with your district administrator about which of the grade levels you feel is most appropriate for the group as a whole. Based on your campers’ math proficiency and comfort level, choose either the grade above or below your multiage grouping (for a classroom with first and second graders, either choose the first grade or second grade Teachers Guide.) Pay particular attention to our recommendations to increase or decrease access depending on ability by using the “Supporting a Range of Learners” boxes throughout your lesson. If applicable, use Community Math time for differentiated instruction by pulling groups who may need extra support. 

20. How can I create a sense of belonging quickly for my multilingual learners?

MathCamp is built to create a community of belonging for all campers. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Preview the Multilingual Support Sheet at the end of each lesson before beginning your instruction.

• Use campers’ names and be sure you can pronounce them correctly and well. 

• Invite campers to partner up outside their ML group so everyone meets everyone.

• Celebrate moments when campers share their languages with each other.

• Recognize when campers are expressing themselves orally, through diagrams or when they are writing in their new language. Celebrate this, featuring their work in public ways.

• Ask questions that allow them to point to or choose between options presented. “Can you show me which one is…?”

• Model language with affirmations and bring joy to learning the new vocabulary. You might say, “Wow! I love how hard you are working. Awesome. You multiply well and powerfully.” [Point to the multiplication symbol.]  

• Use consistent repetitive language. Refrain from rephrasing the question when you notice that campers are taking time to answer. They may be processing the question. 

• Use gestures to facilitate comprehension. For example, show 4 fingers when you say 4. 

• “Narrate” as you or campers solve problems collectively and/or when peers share their work publicly.

• Encourage campers to practice what they want to say before you choose them to share with the large group. If applicable, use technology to help them to share comfortably. 

• Help campers with comprehension by using math stories that connect to them and the real world and use stories that correlate to their home language and cultures.

21. How do I engage my campers’ families?

Campers are making a momentous journey between home and school. Every day is an opportunity for us to amplify learning and promote a 365-day engagement with mathematics. Ways we can include our families in the excitement of MathCamp are:

• Send campers home with MathCamp Family Engagement Materials at a regular cadence (found on the grade-specific page of MathCamp Hub). Distribute and send home these one-pagers with your MathCampers to invite their family, parents, and caregivers into MathCamp magic. These activities reiterate campers’ MathCamp learning with fun, engaging, easy-to-do mathematical activities for all. These materials are available in Spanish, English and Pashto.

• Invite campers to share their own Math Heroes in their lives at home, people they love who show their own ways of using math. 

• Send home Community Math games to play and use at home.

• Send home Opening and Closing Routines to share with family members and invite conversations the next day on how it went and what excitement happened at home.

• Have campers create their own math routines at home and bring them back to share.

• Make sure to value and celebrate the home languages and cultures of our summer families to open up communication, learning, and dialogue between home and school.

22. I am anxious about math. What should I do?

MathCamp has been built to be incredibly supportive to all MathCamp teachers, regardless of your experience with teaching or math. Teacher scripting in every MathCamp lesson gives you everything you need to say to campers to run a successful day at camp. Don’t be afraid to read directly from this script, that’s what it was designed for and it will help you to build your own math confidence too. Also, MathCamp is a great place to talk honestly about math with your campers. Chances are, you will see that your campers will be relieved to know you haven’t always been so confident in math. Together, let MathCamp change your mindset!

23. We use LitCamp in our district: How is MathCamp connected to LitCamp?

MathCamp and LitCamp are sister programs. Both were developed by Pam Allyn and her team and cultivate a strengths-based approach to academic learning. The programs have been intentionally created to be run side-by-side and focus on skill building, problem solving, and confidence within a camp theme. Both build joy and belonging in the classroom to boost academic achievement and engagement. 

24. How can I decorate my classroom?

Create a sense of camp spirit in your MathCamp classroom by decorating your classroom. You can find suggestions and templates for decorations in our “Camp Decor and Environment” section of the MathCamp Hub. Put scenes of nature on your screens, and use your computer or iPad to play nature sounds. In past summers, we have seen teachers decorate the classroom with camper-created math shapes, numbers, and nature drawings. We have seen campers bring in photos from home, and other personal creative drawings or art of things they love. Have fun with language when you can (“Do Math S’More!” or “Math Heroes Unite!”) and live into the whimsy of the camp theme to engage all campers! Invite your campers to decorate the room and hallways with you. Collaborate with fellow teachers to make names for each “bunk” and to display camp colors and mottos.

25. How can I help my campers feel comfortable with each other if they are meeting for the first time? 

Campers may meet each other for the first time at summer school. This can be a great opportunity for building rich and meaningful relationships for the upcoming school year and beyond! Support these friendships by inviting campers to sit next to new people regularly. Play name games consistently- even if you’ve had a handful of days together already. Name recognition is hugely important for self-esteem. Keep the combinations of campers ever-changing: invite campers to work with campers they haven’t yet worked with and make room in your day for joyous collaborations, brainstorms, and the sharing of ideas. Use the Community Math Online Handbook to retrieve games and activities your campers can play with a variety of new friends. Compliment and affirm any moment you see evidence of kindness being shown to someone at camp. Call out all the positive spirit you see in inclusivity and belonging actions. Do not only compliment math skill development: compliment, affirm, and make public examples of student empathy and care.

26. Does MathCamp have an assessment? 

Yes! You can find a MathCamp pre- and post-assessments on your grade-specific page of the MathCamp Hub. These assessments focus on campers’ math development in two ways: numeracy and reasoning; and confidence. The questions address numeracy and reasoning and ask campers about their growing confidence as math learners, such as, “How confident are you in solving challenging math problems?” Your school or district will decide how and if they want to use these tools and will guide you specifically in the instructions for how to administer and record the results. If you are not sure if you are supposed to do this, please speak to your site administrator as soon as possible or ask a fellow teacher. If you are still wondering, please email us at info@deweycommunity.com. Remind campers who may be anxious about this assessment that it is not graded. 

27. I have a new camper who just showed up halfway through the season. What should I do?

MathCamp is designed to engage campers in problem solving skills and strategies. Don’t worry if a camper joins late, misses a few days, or comes in at a different skill level. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to engage in rich mathematical thinking. The lesson scripts are inclusive for campers at all levels and will feel welcoming even if a camper is new. Check out the “Supporting a Range of Learners” boxes within your lesson to receive additional support for these campers. Also, make sure to introduce a new camper mindfully to the rest of the group. Have the community take time for a welcome and to learn the name of the new camper. Celebrate their learning on the first days in public ways that reinforce how welcome the new camper is. Compliment other campers for being inclusive and welcoming, too.

28. I am not experienced with multilingual learners but many of my campers are. What to do? 

MathCamp lessons are rich with multilingual support. Be sure to read the Multilingual Support Sheets before you begin a lesson. If you need more information on how to use these sheets, be sure to read the first 12 pages of your Teachers Guide, or check out the Walk-Through on the MathCamp Hub. Multilingual Support Sheets share strategies that are detailed and very easy to follow. They will help guide you to a more advanced knowledge of working with your multilingual learners. There are also many visual supports in MathCamp that will help your campers to be fully engaged with the program. Use them abundantly, especially the slide decks. Finally, remember that Camp is a strengths-based vision: your multilingual learners have so much to offer you and your entire community. See their home language and culture as a wonderful strength. Take time to listen, deeply, to their stories and ideas in every part of MathCamp. Have campers work with many different campmates and get to know everyone in the community. 

29. My campers have low literacy levels. How do I support them in MathCamp?

Math Hero letters and writing prompts are accessible for supporting a range of learners. If campers feel anxious about writing prompts, have campers turn and talk to a campmate or draw their response instead. Your Multilingual Support Sheet provides strategies for supporting all language learners as they practice their skills at MathCamp. Utilize the visual imagery throughout MathCamp to engage all learners, regardless of their reading and writing abilities.

30. What should I do if campers seem anxious about the assessment(s)? 

We don’t want campers to be anxious about this at all. We are trying to get a broad based view of camper work, so whatever they put on the page is fine. Remind them of this and reiterate to them that this assessment is not graded and will not influence them after MathCamp. Many children coming to camp are anxious about math. The most important thing here is to make them feel comfortable and confident about their MathCamp growth.

31. I have campers with learning differences and this makes math a real struggle for them. How do I best support them? 

The “camp” theme is really helpful. It inspires joy and optimism. All ages really appreciate this. Starting from a position of strength, of hope, and of care really helps our campers with learning differences feel strong and ready for their learning. The lessons are built to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. Please see the Range of Learners boxes and the Multilingual Support Sheets for excellent strategies that apply to all diverse learning styles. Make sure to recognize that a lot can happen in one short summer. That student who has felt defeated by their learning differences can transform very quickly into a confident student returning to school. Celebrate growth by recognizing the smallest steps they take each day. Be positive and honor camper progress. Take a moment to text, email, or call a parent to offer a compliment to share their strides. 

32. My campers are shy/have low confidence. How can I help? 

Affirm, affirm, affirm!  Praise small steps when you see them. Praise attempts. Call notice to the good things! (“I notice how you helped your fellow camper today…I observed how you worked hard to solve a tough math problem. I noticed you were a great friend this morning. I saw you being very curious during Opening Campfire. I noticed you didn’t give up today”.) Don’t make all compliments about the achievements, but also about the resilience, the hard work, the collaboration, the fun, the trying, the failing, the reasoning, and the effort campers are making each day.

Still feeling confused? The first 12 pages of your printed Teachers Guide will offer guidance on all things MathCamp! Read this information in your printed Teachers Guide or on the MathCamp Hub bulletin board under “Your Introduction to MathCamp: An Important Overview.” Find an in-depth walkthrough of a MathCamp lesson on the same bulletin board under “MathCamp Walk-Through”. 

For further support, please visit the PD Corner on the MathCamp Hub to find videos from authors Mike Flynn, Pam Allyn and the leadership team. Here you will find quick and easy answers to questions about the pedagogy and practice of MathCamp that will guide you to great outcomes and a happy, productive summer for all.

Still have questions? Reach out to us at admin@deweycommunity.com