TO:
Elementary Principals
K-5 Teachers
FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Amy Kinder, Consultant in Teaching & Learning
Dear Principals and Teachers,
We want to share an update regarding student workbooks. As a district, we did not purchase workbooks this year because many teachers reported preferring whiteboards and scratch paper over the printed books.
Why Are We Decreasing the Size of Student Workbooks?
- Ensure equal spacing and eliminate wasted space on each page
- Make materials more manageable for students
- Make nearly every lesson a single page (front and back)
- Reduce paper use and help protect the environment
Most importantly:
The focus should be on learning, not on completing a worksheet!
We know some teachers still value workbooks, so we created two streamlined versions:
- Condensed Workbook: Almost all lessons are now just one double-sided page.
- Even More Condensed Workbook: An even shorter version, with warm-ups (typically discussion-based) removed and space for reflection.
Both versions, along with an editable Word document, are linked in this document.
Many teachers are now choosing to do some lessons on whiteboards or with scratch paper, using slides to guide instruction. This new approach to mathematics focuses on problem-solving and using multiple tools—whiteboards, scratch paper, and manipulatives—instead of simply completing worksheets.
Parents can still view every component of the lesson on the student site, with no login required.
For more ideas on reducing workbook size, contact your elementary mathematics specialist.
