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Illustrative Mathematics at Adel Elementary

Posted Date: 12/22/25 (11:00 AM)
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A teacher points to a math problem on a projector screen in a classroom, with students sitting on the floor.
Illustrative Mathematics lessons at Adel Elementary follow a routine-based, exploration-focused design that helps young students build conceptual understanding through hands-on experiences, discussion, and repeated structures.

Illustrative Mathematics emphasizes:

  • Student thinking before teacher explanation
  • Use of manipulatives and visual models
  • Intentional routines that build numeracy and reasoning
  • Opportunities for formative assessment throughout

Two young students focus on math worksheets in a classroom, pointing at the pages. A young boy focuses intently on his math worksheet at a classroom desk.

Each Illustrative Mathematics lesson begins with a warm-up designed to promote discourse and quick reasoning. Students then engage in hands-on, collaborative activities that build conceptual understanding. Every activity concludes with a synthesis, where the class highlights and connects the key mathematical ideas. Students also participate in center games with partners, small group instruction with the teacher and independent practice. 

A child learns math with red and yellow counters on a ten-frame mat. Two young students focus on math worksheets at their desks in a classroom.