The Jump Math Program

By Author: James Patrick
Total Articles: 6
Comment this article

The JUMP Math program is a Canadian developed initiative, designed to facilitate the teaching and learning of mathematics in grades 1-8. Created by mathematician Dr. John Mighton in 1998, JUMP Math is founded on the philosophy that every child has great mathematical potential. According to the charity’s mission statement, the program aims to help students reach this potential by nurturing an understanding and an appreciation for math in both students and teachers.

Structured around the curriculum for grades 1-8 (in most of Canada), The JUMP program’s approach to teaching and learning mathematics incorporates in-depth understanding of concepts, scaffolding of the learning (in which concepts are continuously reviewed and built upon), as well as ongoing assessment. JUMP Math workbooks are used alongside comprehensive teacher’s guides to enable students to practice, review and discover variations on the lessons while allowing teachers to effectively and rapidly assess progress.

JUMP Math’s workbooks are grade-specific and correspond with the grade levels in Ontario. Each grade level has two workbooks to ...
... foster guided and independent work, as well as an extensive teacher’s guide to ensure that educators have the tools and resources to cater to individual student needs while meeting the curricular expectations for the class.

With careful instruction, moderate attention, engagement in learning and continuous practice, JUMP purports that every child can achieve success in mathematics. As Mighton explains, “If you minimize differences between students…and all the kids start engaging and taking risks, they start to develop a love of the subject.” In pursuit of its mission, the JUMP program effectively uses its infrastructure to ensure delivery of high quality programming that results in measurable impacts including:

• Improved student math performance
• Reduced math anxiety
• Building student and teacher confidence
• Enhanced teacher skills

To learn about supporting your child through JUMP Math Direct Instruction, call 416-925-1225. If you are interested in learning more about the JUMP Math program, visit www.ruthrumack.com or http://jumpmath1.org/.

James Patrick is a teacher in University of Toronto and social worker who is serving as a Math Tutor Online to improve the math skills of students. He has represented his University and country in various seminars. Right now he is busy writing a book about the human behaviour and ways of learning and also taking special preparatory classes for helping children to read.