Manitoba
MY CHILD IN SCHOOL
MY CHILD IN SCHOOL – Informed Parent, Involved Parent

GRADE 8: MATHEMATICS

What your child is learning

There are four areas in Grade 8 math: the Number strand, the Patterns and Relationships strand, the Shape and Space strand and the Statistics and Probability strand.

In the Number strand, your child

  • solves problems using square numbers and square roots, percents, rate and ratio, fractions, integers and rational numbers;
  • multiplies and divides fractions and integers using a variety of strategies.

In the Patterns and Relationship strand, your child models, solves and graphs linear equations.

In the Shape and Space strand, your child

  • solves problems involving surface area, volume and the Pythagorean theorem
  • draws different views of 3-D shapes;
  • observes and models how shapes can combine to tessellate a surface.

In the Statistics and Probability strand, your child analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of how different graphs show data.

In the four strands, children:

  • communicate what they are thinking and learning
  • connect math to everyday situations and other subjects
  • estimate and use mental math strategies
  • learn through problem solving
  • reason and explain their thinking
  • use technology to enhance their learning
  • use visual images to describe their thinking

To find out more about what your child is learning, we encourage you to talk to the teacher. You may also find helpful information on the Curriculum Essentials posters, which are interactive PDFs designed for teachers that provide an overview of the knowledge, processes, and skills for this subject area.

Grade 8 Mathematics Curriculum Essentials posters
Grade 8 Mathematics Curriculum Essentials posters (adobe pdf 493 KB)

The first page gives an overview of what your child will be learning, grouped into learning targets (concepts) so that the curriculum is easier to understand. The number codes correspond to the curriculum learning outcomes. The arrow at the top of the page highlights the mathematical processes, which are described in more detail on the third page. These are the ways through which mathematical concepts are taught. The second page offers a more detailed description of the expectations related to each concept and the categories found on the provincial report cards regarding assessment.

You may also wish to refer to the Grades K-8 Mathematics - Manitoba Curriculum Framework of Outcomes.

How your child is assessed

Your child’s teacher will assess students on the four math strands. Your child’s progress will be measured in three categories, shown on your child’s report card:

  • knowledge and understanding
  • mental math and estimation
  • problem solving

The teacher will report on your child’s progress three times a year. The information from each report helps you to support your child’s learning. You can use it to talk with your child and your child’s teacher about results, strengths, challenges and what your child will be doing next.

Resources

A method or system of steps used to solve problems. Several examples of strategies are: drawing a picture or graph, looking for a pattern, using a process of elimination, using trial and error, and applying mental math and estimation strategies.

Parents can help middle years students build a better understanding about math by doing the following:

  • As a family, play card and board games that involve numbers, puzzles, brain teasers or strategic planning.
  • Engage your child in banking, cooking, shopping, construction and budgeting activities that estimate quantities, calculate balances, and measure.
  • Help your child understand and analyze data, statistics and daily information from newspapers, sports and television.
  • Communicate with your child about math. Ask your child what math they are learning or to explain their thinking strategies by asking, “How did you do that? Can you explain your solution? Is there another way of doing the question?”
  • Provide space at home and where possible, have the appropriate math tools to complete homework or math tasks (rulers, calculators, etc).
  • Support and encourage your child with homework. Encourage your child to persevere with math tasks, looking for new solutions or seeking out other resources. Ask “What is the problem you are working on? Are there words you don’t know? Can you find other examples from your notes? Can you draw a picture or make a diagram? What is your teacher asking you to do? Would it help to do another question first? Who can you ask for assistance?” Having your child explain something out loud sometimes helps find a solution. Have him or her show all of their thinking and calculations to support their solutions.
  • Exhibit a positive attitude towards math. Set expectations that include success in math and learn about careers that use math.

Additional information and resources to support your child’s learning.

These are a few examples and the list is not exhaustive.

  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics- Family Resource page
    Resources to help your child learn math
  •  Your Child and the Middle Years Provincial Assessment
    Information about the Manitoba Middle Years Provincial Assessment
  • Illuminations
    This site is part of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics web site called "Illuminations". It provides parents and teachers with a dynamic menu to search over 1,100 Internet math resources. Parents can find material to assist children who might not understand a particular math concept, as well as materials that will extend children's understanding. The site also show parents how the teaching and learning of mathematics has changed.
  • Figure this
    Created by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this site helps families enjoy mathematics outside school through a series of fun challenges.
  • Math Forum
    This online community includes teachers, students, researchers, parents and educators who have an interest in math and math education. The site includes Ask Dr. Math, Problems of the Week, discussion groups and much more.
  • MathFROG provides fun resources and online games for mathematics for grades 4, 5, and 6 students, teachers and parents.
  • NRICH enriching mathematics
    Enrichment mathematics activities and challenges for students grades 1 to12.
  • KhanAcademy

On this site, you will find a library of over 2,400 videos covering mathematics to physics, finance, and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that are often asked about Mathematics. If you have a question that isn't answered here, you can ask your child's teacher or use the comment form on the left of the page.

What has changed in the new curriculum?

How can I stay informed about the revised mathematics program?

Will my child learn basic addition, subtraction and multiplication?

What do you mean by mental math and estimation?

What are mental math strategies?

How can I help my child with mental math and estimation?

What is meant by personal strategies?

What is meant by problem solving?