The elementary mathematics curriculum features hands-on learning strategies and techniques such as sorting, collecting data, measuring, computing, graphing and calculating, to help students:

• Develop higher-order thinking by using their powers of observation and their abilities to reason and solve problems as they learn and communicate important mathematical ideas.
   
• Understand mathematical ideas deeply enough so they can talk about them in their own words, apply them to show how things work, use them to find answers to new questions, and see connections within them.
   
• Engage in substantive conversation with the teacher and or their peers about mathematics in a way that builds an improved and shared understanding of ideas or topics.
   
• Make connections to the world beyond the classroom while leaning to relate to their lives, neighborhoods and communities.