News

Early math learning is critical for a child’s future academic success. One of the priorities of the Apple STEM Network, a regional non-profit organization co-led by the North Central ESD and NCW Tech Alliance, is to work with partners to advocate for resources to prompt early STEM experiences. With the assistance of an Early Learning Catalyst Grant from Washington STEM, the North Central ESD partnered with Bridgeport School District to bring math learning and resources to educators and families who support early learners.

Through the grant, Washington STEM provided important financial resources to organizations across the state to develop targeted early math learning programming. The goal for Washington STEM is to reach 3,200 adults who interact with children ages birth to 8, including families and educators. 

After using data and local knowledge, NCESD identified Bridgeport School District as an essential partner in this work. Together, they co-designed early learning programming to meet the local needs of Bridgeport students, families, and educators. The planning team determined they could reach at least 50-75 families and educators in this rural community that serves a student demographic of 90% multilingual students.

Through the co-design process, the district identified that a majority of their Kindergarten and 1st Grade students were low in the area of Counting and Cardinality. This became the focus area of the event, including the materials and resources that would be provided to families and educators. 

The team decided to incorporate the program into the district’s regular Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings since a good portion of families participate. The entire community was invited to attend the October meeting for a night of “fun with math”. During the meeting, NCESD introduced a variety of activities families and educators can use to engage young learners in developing math and counting skills. With the funding from the grant, everyone received a Math Game Pack which was available in Spanish and English. 

“We believe that providing the same math packs to educators in the community, such as child care providers and early learning teachers in the ECEAP/Migrant program, will strengthen the connection for early learning math” said Jan Dosh, NCESD Early Learning Coach.

In total, 78 Math Game Packs were distributed to the community through this event: 42 families, 15 school district teachers, 25 early learning educators, and 10 child care providers.

The planning team co-created the model of “Learn, Watch, Receive, Practice” for this specific event.

• Learn – Provide families and educators with micro-learning about how young children learn math
• Watch – Demonstrate math activities and games to engage young learners
• Receive – Families and educators receive materials to do the activities and games at home and in the classroom
• Practice – Attendees are given the opportunity to practice some of the activities with the guidance and support of the NCESD and Bridgeport School District teams

Utilizing the activities and games provided in the Math Packs, families can set their young learning up for success when they start school.

“It is so important that families play games and do other activities with their children at home to help them grow and become better in their motor and cognitive skills,” said Susan Schuh, a Math Specialist at Bridgeport School District. “When they know their basics of letters, numbers, shapes and colors, we are able to continue that learning process when they start to learn counting and cardinality, numerical operations, geometry, and algebraic thinking.”

During the event, the planning team collected data and feedback to continue expanding on the programming for early learners in the community. NCESD also hopes to take this model and expand it to other districts across the region to support learning for all young children.