Thinking about math in a different way

To strengthen their skills and make a connection between math and the real world, Number Five School students in first to fourth grades participated in Math Day where hands-on games and activities were used to improve their problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Math Specialist for the Number Two and Five schools, Anita Shevins, was on hand during the April 2 – 4 event and said Math Day is set up for students to acquire a new perspective other than what they typically get in the classroom. “We want to show connections between math and the real world,” she said. “This allows them to think in a different way.”

Dominos, clocks, flashcards and other objects were used to stimulate the students’ minds. Fourth-graders Lila Wright and Kimberly Galan were given a numeric time on a card and had to move the hands on a clock to demonstrate the correct time. “We can tell our parents what time it is now,” Galan said.

“(The activities) allow us to practice and it’s fun,” Wright said. “These are fun ways to practice math and we don’t even realize how much fun we’re having while we’re doing it.”

Gara Rosenberg, a fourth-grade teacher at Number Five School in Cedarhurst, said her students are able to work independently without her instruction on Math Day. “Its hands on and very appropriate for their age,” she said. “It sharpens their regular math skills, ability to cooperate with their classmates and increases the development of their social skills through communication.”

Students Dayna Reese, Javie Perez and Brianna Alvarez learned how to use smaller amounts of money to buy things. Reese said the activity taught her how to decide what coin she will use when purchasing items such as food or school supplies. “There are a lot of different coins to choose from,” she said. “This will help me when I buy something.”

Students Andrea Vasquez, Natali Canton and Elijah Reyes said they enjoyed the fun activities the most. However, Reyes, a fourth-grader, said he will apply what he learned toward a future career. “I’ll use my math skills as an accountant,” he said.