Concept or Context?

I was recently had the opportunity to work with a group of teachers on creating a vertical articulation for grade K-6 on Measurement, Data, Probability & Statistics. I had given them packets that included the introductory paragraphs from the original CCSS document, the critical focus areas from the AZ Mathematics Standards and the Arizona Math standards.

While circulating I listened in on a conversation between two teachers that were studying the information for grades K-3. They were sharing their concern that more emphasis was not placed on time and money in the early grades. One of the teachers is an ESS teacher. She shared that in her self-contained classroom they dedicate a significant portion of time learning about money and time. She described these ideas as "major life skills." The third grade teacher sitting at the table agreed that it is vital for all students that they have a strong understanding of time and money in order to be successful as adults.

I observed as they looked back through the standards for evidence that more time should be dedicated to these two topics. I stood back as they searched the standards and the paragraphs.

The review confirmed what they had initially thought, time and money are only mentioned in two short standards in first, second and third grade. They also noted that these clusters were all labeled as "Supporting Clusters" in the AZ math standards.

As their dissatisfaction began to lean toward outright disgust, I stepped in and asked them if time and money are mathematical concepts or if they are contexts?

After some discussion they were able to come to the realization that time and money are a context.

Next we looked through the standards and identified where the context of time and money could be used to teach and assess the content of the standards. As we did so, the big aha moment came. They excitedly reached the conclusion that just because time and money was not mentioned in more standards, it did not prohibit them from using time and money contexts to help students understand the concepts and thus increase their understanding and skill with time and money.

I think that it is important for us to consider what contexts we should be including in order to teach the content of our grade level. What contexts can we use to help our students be more prepared for life outside of school?