“This isn’t how I learned math when I was in elementary school.”

Learn more about the program, including how to support your student.

ST Math
Parent
Resources

ST Math is a PreK-8 visual instructional program that leverages the brain's innate spatial-temporal reasoning ability to solve mathematical problems.


ST (spatial temporal) refers to learning math concepts by manipulating objects in space and time. ST Math's patented approach starts by teaching the foundational concepts visually, then connects the ideas to the symbols, language, and robust discourse.

Learn
About
ST Math

Matthew Peterson

Co-founder Mind Research

ST Math is part of our core math curriculum at the elementary level. It is used to supplement the conceptual development of big math ideas at each grade level.


The goal for Kindergarteners and first graders is to solve 40 puzzles per week. The goal for second through fifth graders is to solve 60 puzzles per week. Students are given time to complete puzzles during the math block.


PC Desktop Computer Icon

60

min

2nd - 5th Grade

30

min

How can I help my child succeed?

C

heck

I

t

O

ut

Speech or thought bubbles

I still have so many questions!

Why are there no words?

By removing language and symbols as a barrier, the problem is accessible to more students, regardless of skill level or language background. It also removes distractors so that all of the students’ working memory is focused on solving the problem.

The program starts by teaching the concepts visually, then connects the ideas to the symbols, language and student discourse.


Where are the directions? How can I help my child engage with the puzzles when they are stuck?

ST Math is designed to promote problem solving skills for students. It uses a perception-action cycle, as seen below. Students are asked to notice what is happening on the screen, make and test a prediction, watch what happens, analyze and learn from the feedback and finally apply the new understanding.

Keep in mind, this is very different from the way many of us learned math and requires a different approach when supporting students on the program. Facilitating Questions can be used by adults to support students with the perception-action cycle and solving puzzles.