Number Corner Boosts Students’ Enthusiasm About Math

“The parenthesis in that equation tells us that we have to solve this part first and then do the rest of the problem after,” Pound Ridge Elementary School fourth grader Izzy Chang Pong explained to her class.

Izzy’s teacher, Randi Neglia, was leading her students through problem strings — a set of related problems that focus on specific strategies — during their daily Number Corner activity. Number Corner, which is part of the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum BCSD uses, features short daily math “workouts.”

“Every day after our morning meeting and RULER routine, we transition into Number Corner,” Neglia said. “This is a great way to start our day by getting our brains involved in daily math workouts.”

At the fourth-grade level, Number Corner allows students to review previous learning and preview upcoming concepts through five different “workouts:” Calendar Grid (which features algebraic patterns and structures that work students’ number and geometry skills), Calendar Collector (which includes skills like estimation, counting, value, measurement and data), Computational Fluency (which features activities and games), Problem Strings and Solving Problems.

Michelle Grier, the district’s elementary math coach, is a big believer in the skill-building program.

“Number Corner is critical to math instruction because it creates a space for daily, hands-on engagement with core math concepts,” Grier said. “It helps students build fluency and deepen their understanding by connecting prior knowledge to new ideas. I hope students develop strong number sense, problem-solving skills, and the confidence to approach math with curiosity and excitement.”

Judging by the reactions of students in Neglia’s class, Grier’s hopes are becoming a reality.

“I like Number Corner because we get to play games,” said Gia Brown. “I like the calendar because the patterns always surprise you. The workplaces are my favorite, though. We get a partner and work together and play a bunch of fun games related to what we’re learning.”

Izzy was equally enthusiastic.

“I think a fun thing about Number Corner is that you get to have all of these interactions with numbers,” she said. “It teaches you a lot about math. Sometimes we get to work in a workbook too — and I love that!”

Ava Weisbard, another self-proclaimed math lover, has a soft spot for the calendar grid. This month, fourth graders are using ancient Egyptian numerals as calendar markers. They search for patterns to try and decipher how the Egyptian system works.

“I like the calendar grid,” Ava said. “I like learning about Egyptian numerals, it’s really cool. It makes me happy because math is one of my favorite things.”

Though it’s early in the school year, Neglia has noticed important changes in how her students entered fourth grade.

“Students have come in knowing the routines, are more independent in updating the charts, and utilize math vocabulary more frequently than in previous years,” she said.

Both Neglia and Grier agree that the implementation of the Bridges program has led to an increase in engagement and understanding.

“The Bridges program has been transformative in our classrooms,” Grier said. “We've seen increased engagement and a deeper conceptual understanding of math across all grade levels. Teachers appreciate the balance between structured lessons and exploration opportunities, and students benefit from the real-world application of math concepts.”

Neglia noted the increase of students “talking math.”

“I have noticed an increased level of engagement among my students,” she said. “Whether it is a class discussion, partner work, or Number Corner/Bridges Workplace games, the students are actively ‘talking math’ and participating. The more students talk about math and apply it to their daily lives in a meaningful way, the better they can grasp concepts.”

Grier stressed that families play an important role in students’ math learning as well.

“By encouraging a positive mindset and engaging in everyday math discussions, parents can reinforce what students are learning in school,” she said.

The Math Learning Center is a great resource for families. It includes a wealth of information, including free apps and guides that align with the Bridges curriculum, making it easier for families to engage with math concepts at home.

“With these tools, families can feel confident in helping their children build essential math skills while making learning fun and accessible,” Grier said.