Group learning stations are helping to bring mathematics to life at Washington Primary School, where students are having fun learning all sorts of new things.
Washington’s classrooms are buzzing throughout the day as budding minds explore the magical world of math through station/center based learning experiences.
“Students are able to work in collaborative groups on tasks that enrich and develop their academic abilities in the areas of problem solving, geometry, algebra, number sense, etc.,” Washington Principal Michelle Richards said. “Each station allows students to explore the topic using manipulatives, Chromebooks, and/or traditional pencil and paper.”
The Washington youngsters cycle each math station for an average of 15-20 minutes daily,” Dr. Richards said. “The tasks are performance based and the students are loving this renewed perspective during their mathematics instructional block.”
In their article titled “Why Kids Should Use Their Fingers in Math Class,” authors Jo Boaler and Lang Chen share that “when children manipulative such as their fingers and number lines along with other visual and tactile representations of mathematics along with drawing what they see, children are strengthening their brain capacity.” Dr. Richards wholeheartedly agrees.
“Our goal is to make mathematics fun and long lasting for our students at this young age when they are developing foundational skills,” Dr. Richards said.
