1. Do your lessons adhere to national or state standards?

Yes, all our lessons meet NCTM, Common Core and TEKS standards.  Within each grade level there is a base of understanding that students need to master.

• Kindergarten is number recognition and counting. Knowing number names and the counting sequence. Counting to tell the number of objects and comparing numbers.  Understand addition is putting together and adding to while subtraction is taking apart and taking from. Working place value with numbers 11 – 19.  Describe and compare measurable attributes, classify objects into categories. Identify and describe shapes and analyze and compare shapes.
• First graders develop an understanding of addition and subtraction within 20.  Work with addition and subtraction equations. Developing an understanding of whole numbers and place value of tens and ones then use place value to add and subtract.  Work on telling time, interpreting data, reason with shapes and its attributes.
• Second graders extend their understanding of base-ten notation with addition and subtraction within 100. Includes counting in fives, tens, and multiples of hundreds.  Work to develop a foundation for multiplication. Measure and estimate lengths in standard units. Work with time and money.  Represent and interpret data.  Describe and analyze shapes by examining sides and angles.
• Third graders develop understanding of multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100.  Develop understanding of fractions especially unit fractions.  Develop understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and area.  Collect and describe data.
• Fourth graders focus on three critical areas; understanding and fluency with multi-digit multiplication and developing an understanding of dividing to find quotients involving multi-digit dividends. Develop an understanding of fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators and multiplication of fractions by whole numbers.  Understanding line and angle identification.
• Fifth graders develop a fluency of addition and subtraction of fractions and develop understanding of the multiplication of fractions and of division of fractions.  Extending division to 2-digit divisors, integrating decimal fractions into place value system and develop understanding of operation with decimals to hundredths and developing fluency with whole number and decimal operations. Understand concept of unit measures in standard and metric forms.  Graph points on coordinate plane and classify two-dimensional figures.
• Pre-Algebra incorporates grades 6th – 8th grade standards building a foundation for algebra.  Students work on ratio, integers, expressions, equations.  Expand and extend multiplication and division of fractions by fractions.  Reason about one- and two-variable equations, understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.  Apply mathematical concepts to real world settings.

2. Can we select our own lessons from different grade level math kit?

No, we have taken a great deal of time in creating games that work with the skills students need for each specific grade level. If fewer lessons are selected from a particular grade level that means students will get a watered-down opportunity to practice the skills they need to be at grade level.  We realize that not all students are at grade level, that is why we do not put grade level on any of the lessons themselves, only on the outside box.  Students who are above or below grade level can work on lessons from a different math kit. We do have three math kits that expand on math concepts over more than one grade level.  Each works on building specific skills within a genre:

• MANGO Problem Solving math kit is for K-2nd graders. This math kit builds the foundation students need to solve math problems. The math kit covers strategies like draw a picture, model, working backwards, guess and check, use logic and reasoning, make a chart or list, and look for patterns while developing students’ number sense and addition and subtraction foundation.
• MANGO Money Matters math kits is for 3rd – 5th graders.  Reinforces the importance of money and how to count, writing checks, saving, dividing bills, impact of costs, investing and finance.  Working on the operation of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and working with fractional amounts.
• MANGO Sports and Math kit is for 5th – 8th graders. It covers addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, integers and rational numbers as they apply to sports.

3. What is the best way to use MANGO Math?

MANGO Math can be used a number of different ways;

• Small Group Pullout - the teacher or a parent volunteer can help direct the activity or game.  An activity or game can be selected that helps reinforce the math skill that the teacher has introduced or wants to review.
• Math centers – 4 to 6 lessons can be selected that students can spend 10 to 15 minutes on as they go from one lesson to the next.  This provides an opportunity for students to practice and apply skills and strategies taught within the classroom.
• Take home packet – the educator can provide students with a math packet to take home and practice with their parents, this provides that much needed parent/school/teacher connection.
• Family math nights – a great way to get parents involved and build math success is to have a family math night where parents, sibling, and peers can come together and enjoy math.  This helps students and parents develop that positive attitude about math that extends beyond the school day.
• Part of STEM education – Math is the M in STEM and without math students will be unable to get into the class in high school and college that they need to take for science, technology and engineering.  Mathematics is more than getting a right answer, we have computer and calculators that can get an answer.  Math education is about thinking about how to get to the answer.  Being aware of number sense and number relationship, thinking critically and analytically.  Don’t forget that M in STEM just because you don’t see it as cool or as exciting as robotics or drones.

4. Is MANGO Math research based?

MANGO Math kits are researched based.  MANGO Math has relied on the vision, research and expertise of academics like Marilyn Burns, John Van de Walle and Dr. Jo Boaler.  The Marian University in Indianapolis uses our curriculum in their summer program with standardized AIMSweb testing before the students started in the program and after the program was over.  The overwhelming positive results from that program can be found here.

5. Do I need to be a math teacher to teach MANGO Math?

Absolutely not!  We have made MANGO Math to be as easy to implement as possible.  We want educators to play along with students, model with the students’ good game etiquette: taking turns, asking questions, thinking answers through, performing mental math when applicable or written math when needed.  You don’t have to be a math teacher to have fun exploring math with your students.  The games are also just a grab and go, students can easily read through the directions and play the games without adult supervision.

6. Does MANGO Math kits work for students with special needs?

Definitely.  Students can work at their pace and their ability.  None of the lessons have a grade on them so students don’t have to have the stigma of working with something that isn’t at grade level.  All they know is that they are having fun and succeeding at math.  Lessons are meant to be played numerous times to the repetition of the skill becomes memory and understanding.  Here is a blog post I did on my learning disability dyslexia and how MANGO Math helps me.

7. Is MANGO Math sustainable?

Yes, all our material is meant to be used again and again.  Educators don’t need to make copies or go look for supplies, everything is there in the sturdy plastic pouch.  These lessons can be used year after year.  Teachers can request replacement pieces if things go missing.  We are happy to restock any missing lessons or pieces.  Just call us at 833-233-Math (6284)

8. What organizations use MANGO Math?

MANGO Math kits are used in schools, after-school programs, libraries, summer schools, and summer math camps, 4-H groups, community centers.  Here is a link to just some of them.  https://mangomath.com/who-uses-our-curriculum

9. Do you have an online component?

We have a MANGO Math YouTube channel for a visual representation of each game and activity, but we believe the best way for students to learn and retain math is through hands-on games and activities.  We want students to communicate and collaborate with their peers to gain a deeper understanding of number sense and problem solving.  Students do better in math when they must explain their thinking or are in a relaxed atmosphere where there isn’t pressure.  Our memory holds on to pleasant experiences, so we have made math fun to help students retain the information.

10. How long have you been in business and what is your expertise?

We have been in business for 10 years.  The founder/owner of the company, Mary Curry, is a certified teacher with a degree in Elementary education k – 8 and is endorsed in special education.  She has taught grades k – 9th grade in both regular and special education.  Ms. Curry also has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  She worked as the Curriculum Director for a non-profit company in the Seattle area for 6 years before starting her own company MANGO Math.  Ms. Curry ran a math tutoring business for three years working with youth in her hometown to help improve their math skills.  She also trains teachers and speaks at conferences all over the United States with the mission of reducing anxiety and negative feelings around mathematics to help improve students’ math success.

11. How can I meet with MANGO Math representatives?

We attend and present at educational conferences throughout the year; Summer Learning Conference, Beyond School Hours Conference, BOOST, and many more.  If you are attending one of them, we would love to meet with you and show you some of our great math games.  You can also check on the high quality of our materials.  All paper is on heavy paper, anything the students write on is laminated, all manipulative material is of the highest quality.  We can also have virtual conversations and you can view our materials.  We also have a MANGO Math channel on YouTube and you can view many of the games.

12. How long does it take for us to receive the math kits?

We ship out almost immediately so you should receive them within 5 business days.  If you are ordering multiple kits of the same grade level that might take longer, 5 to 10 business days.  If you need your order right away, please contact us so we know to expedite the shipment.