Introduction – Together We Grow: Family Math Connections in Kindergarten

Instructional Design Project – EDLD 5318, Lamar University (Dr. Quentin Bellard)

Together We Grow: Family Math Connections in Kindergarten was created as part of EDLD 5318 – Instructional Design in the M.Ed. in Applied Digital Learning program at Lamar University.
This project focuses on creating a significant learning environment that connects school and home by empowering families to participate in their children’s early math development through digital practice and authentic learning experiences.

Grounded in Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and guided by Dr. Dwayne Harapnuik’s COVA + CSLE framework (Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Learning in a Significant Learning Environment), the design encourages families to take an active role as co-learners. Teachers become facilitators and mentors, supporting both parents and children as they build confidence, independence, and number-sense skills.

Over six months, families engage in bilingual, QR-based math routines that combine play, technology, and reflection. Guided by Fink’s 3-Column Model, each outcome is intentionally aligned with meaningful activities and assessments that promote growth and reflection.

The video presentation below summarizes the design, while the accompanying resources the Instructional Design Paper, Fink’s 3-Column Table, and Implementation Outline – provide detailed explanations of goals, digital tools, assessment strategies, and the implementation timeline.

Together We Grow represents my vision of learning as a shared, joyful process where families, teachers, and children grow together through meaningful connection, creativity, and digital collaboration.

Instructional Design Video Presentation

This video summarizes the instructional design process for Together We Grow, highlighting the use of OBE, COVA + CSLE, and Fink’s 3-Column Model to create a meaningful, family-centered learning environment.

For accessibility purposes, the transcript of my video presentation Together We Grow: Family Math Connections in Kindergarten is available here: View Transcript. This document provides a complete written version of the narration to support inclusive learning access.

Reflection

Designing Together We Grow: Family Math Connections in Kindergarten allowed me to experience the power of intentional instructional design that connects home and school through authentic learning. Guided by Fink’s 3-Column Model and Dr. Dwayne Harapnuik’s COVA + CSLE framework, I created a family-centered environment where digital tools such as i-Ready, Padlet, and Flip empower parents to support number-sense development at home. This project helped me shift from instructor to facilitator, recognizing that learning deepens when families share ownership and reflection becomes part of the process. The implementation timeline, balanced assessment, and bilingual resources demonstrate how technology can promote inclusion and joy in early mathematics. Through this journey, I learned that meaningful design is not just about activities or tools it is about relationships, voice, and confidence. Together We Grow represents both the growth of my students’ families and my own growth as a designer of significant learning environments.

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This section highlights how my project aligns with the learning outcomes and expectations of EDLD 5318 – Instructional Design.

Together We Grow fulfills the requirements of the EDLD 5318 Instructional Design Assignment by demonstrating intentional design aligned with Outcome-Based Education (OBE), application of Fink’s 3-Column Model and Harapnuik’s COVA + CSLE framework, integration of assessment of/for/as learning, and creation of a blended digital environment that empowers families as co-learners. This project reflects my growth as a designer, facilitator, and leader in digital learning.

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References

Bates, T. (2015). Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning. Tony Bates Associates Ltd.
Earl, L. M. (2013). Assessment as learning: Using classroom assessment to maximize student learning. Corwin Press.
Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses. Jossey-Bass.
Harapnuik, D. (2016, 2019a–d). COVA + CSLE Framework and related videos.
International Society for Technology in Education. (2017). ISTE Standards for Educators.
Texas Education Agency. (2022). Kindergarten Mathematics TEKS.