Insights

Prepare Students for Any Test with ORIGO

While “teaching to the test” may offer short-term gains in standardized test scores, it often narrows the curriculum and limits students’ ability to think critically and solve real-world problems. Rote memorization might help with recalling facts, but it doesn’t equip students with the problem-solving skills they need to truly excel. Learn more about the downside of teaching to the test.

A better approach is to empower students with strategies that prepare them for any test—and beyond. When students develop problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, they gain the confidence to tackle assessments with ease.

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ORIGO Curriculum Builds Conceptual Understanding

ORIGO Education takes a well-rounded approach to math instruction, helping students not only succeed on tests but also develop a lifelong appreciation for mathematics. Rather than relying on outdated “drill and kill” methods, ORIGO focuses on conceptual understanding, ensuring that students grasp the “why” behind the math.

At the core of ORIGO’s curriculum is a commitment to deep learning. Instead of emphasizing rote memorization, ORIGO encourages students to explore mathematical principles, strengthening their problem-solving abilities. 

One example is The Book and Box of Fact Strategies designed to help teachers improve their students’ mathematical thinking skills and fluency with a comprehensive collection of engaging activities and visual aids. Help your students build addition and subtraction fact fluency with  The Book and Box of Fact Strategies: Addition and Subtraction Strategies or multiplication and division fact fluency with The Book and Box of Fact Strategies: Multiplication and Division Strategies

Another standout resource is the ORIGO Big Books series. Available in both print and animated formats, these books bring math to life with engaging, logically sequenced lessons. The new ORIGO Animated Big Books for Grades K–2 introduce math concepts in a way that is interactive, accessible, and effective.

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ORIGO Harnesses the Power of Spaced Learning

ORIGO’s Stepping Stones 2.0 curriculum incorporates Spaced Learning—a method that ensures students revisit key concepts regularly over time. This approach reinforces previously learned skills in short, focused intervals, promoting better retention and mastery.

By embedding Spaced Learning into the curriculum, ORIGO saves teachers time while maximizing student outcomes. There’s no need to supplement with additional review sessions because the curriculum is designed to reinforce learning naturally.

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Enhance Problem-Solving Strategies with ORIGO 

A strong focus on problem-solving is woven throughout ORIGO’s curriculum. Students are introduced to multiple strategies for tackling different types of problems, equipping them with flexible thinking skills that extend beyond the classroom.

A key component of this approach is mathematical discourse. ORIGO’s Stepping Stones 2.0 curriculum encourages students to discuss their reasoning, fostering deeper comprehension and stronger communication skills. Math vocabulary is seamlessly integrated into lessons, making it easier for students to articulate their thought processes and engage in meaningful discussions.

As a supplemental resource, The Think Tanks from ORIGO were created to give students the extra problem-solving and application practice they may need. They provide 12 imaginative sets of 20 task cards that increase in difficulty for scaffolded independence. With options for problem-solving, number sense, reasoning with fractions, and measurement and geometric thinking, The Think Tanks complement any curriculum and are suitable for any setting: whole group, small group, or independent work. 

Student Journals

ORIGO Curriculum Connects Math to the Real World

One of the most effective ways to engage students in math is to show them its real-world applications. ORIGO does this through carefully designed student journals that feature word problems aligned with grade-level standards. The Student Journal provides a structured learning path, beginning with guided discussions, moving into independent work, and culminating in critical-thinking challenges.

Available in both print and digital formats, these journals offer immediate feedback, allowing teachers to track student progress effortlessly. Whether budgeting for a class event or measuring ingredients for a recipe, ORIGO helps students see math as a valuable, practical skill rather than just a subject in school. Click here for tips on making the most of student math journals.

Accommodate Diverse Learning Needs with ORIGO 

Every student learns differently, and ORIGO’s curriculum is designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles. Some students thrive with step-by-step problem-solving, while others excel when they can explore concepts more abstractly. ORIGO provides multiple representations of math concepts, including visual models, graphs, symbols, and real-world contexts, ensuring that every student finds a path to understanding.

By guiding students through a progression from concrete to pictorial to abstract learning, ORIGO supports flexible thinking and deeper comprehension. The curriculum’s built-in differentiation makes it easier for teachers to meet the needs of all learners without additional prep time.

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ORIGO’s Resources are Fun and Engaging 

Math learning should be engaging and enjoyable, and ORIGO delivers on that promise with interactive games and digital tools. ORIGO Fundamentals offers over 200 digital games designed to reinforce mental computation strategies, making learning feel like play.

ORIGO Mathementals also offer math games to enhance your current math program before school, after school, or in summer programs. Warm up sessions can be reproduced as transparencies or handouts. Workout pages can be done in class or be given to students as homework. 

Additionally, ORIGO Connects bridges the gap between home and school by providing families with games, videos, and activities that support math learning beyond the classroom. These resources ensure that students can continue building their skills in a fun and engaging way, anytime, anywhere.

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Prepare for Tests and More with ORIGO

ORIGO Education provides a comprehensive, research-backed approach to math instruction that goes beyond test prep. By focusing on conceptual understanding, problem-solving strategies, and real-world applications, ORIGO equips students with the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. 

With engaging resources, interactive games, and a curriculum designed to foster deep understanding, ORIGO makes math both meaningful and enjoyable—ensuring that students not only pass tests, but develop a lifelong love for learning.

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ORIGO Education

ORIGO Education has partnered with educators for over 25 years to make math learning meaningful, enjoyable and accessible to all.

About The ORIGO Approach
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