2nd Grade-Outside Fun

 

        Although worksheets are fun, doing math outside in the parking lot is so much more fun. Since students typically have difficulty understanding the concept of borrowing, mixing up the activities really helps the students become motivated.

Upper School: Marsh Measure

      Continuing our exploration of geometry, the guys were sent out to measure the perimeter of the marsh (behind the Good Sheppard building...Not their teacher). The students were separated into teams where they had to work together in order to get the most accurate estimates. From here, they will compare their measurements with the other teams.

EB-Korea Pen Pals

      

      The Korean pen pals EB has been fantastic. The gentlemen that I have in the class have been really enthusiastic. Even though it is only an hour a week, it does demand quite a bit from the students. They are learning about a different country, its language and culture, while also learning how to write letters in their native language (English).

     The students are writing to South Korean elementary school children who are learning English. Starting in 3^rd grade, students in Korea begin learning English. Some even go to afternoon/night schools where the curriculum is more intense. The frustration is that many of the students never get the chance to communicate with real native English speaking people. This provides a perfect opportunity for not only the students at Summers-Knoll, but for the students in Korea as well.

     Some of activities that we have done include learning Korean greetings/farewells, Taekwondo, the geography of Korea, and some of the basics of the culture. The letters are coming together rather well, and will be great once they are completed. I am so impressed with their hard work; they have really been taking this seriously. 

2nd Grade-"Money From Around the World"

The 2^nd grade boys and I worked with a unit called: “Money From Around the World.” Everyone has a fascination with money, so it was easy to get the boys attention. I believe money is an easy way to show a multitude of concepts. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, carrying (addition), and borrowing (subtraction) can all be taught with a real life application, thus making it easier for their comprehension.  

We took it a step forward when we went from working with American currency, and started to compare it to the Korean Won and the Euro. The students and I looked at the similarities and differences of how the money looked, felt, and how it was relative to the countries that it represented.  I was truly impressed with their ability to understand the basics of exchange rates at such a young age. Moreover, they were able to explain that different countries use different currencies, and that money is relative to where you are. (Example: American currency is not what they use in Europe or that a $1 candy bar in America would cost around 1100 Korean Won). We did not dive too far into global economics, but their curiosity and bright ideas were fun to observe.  Of course, they had to look “cool” with the shades.

Upper School: Dream Homes

The students in the upper school have been working on their dream homes.  We have been talking about area, perimeter, measurement, and proportions. A great way for the kids to apply these concepts is through building. The students first designed their homes with little prompting. It was funny to see the students’ reactions when they would ask me if something was acceptable. I typically responded with a "I never said you couldn't have that in your home." From there the students took off with the ideas. Some of the students went a more realistic route where they created a home that they may come across everyday. Others went as far as designing roller coasters, laser-tag rooms, servant quarters (I was promised that they were going to be well treated), and my favorite, which is the friend room. So far the kids love it.