We started something else at BB that nicely complemented the STEM launch. Looking back, I'm not sure how the idea evolved to exactly what it became. I think it was a combination of ideas and comments.
We began something we called Putting Parents in the Equation. We had a group of parent volunteers who came in once a week and worked, usually two to a grade level, with students. Teachers determined which students would go out in small groups each week. Number sense was the parents' focus. So they weren't really helping with homework or class work, they were playing math games that required some problem solving.
The games were designed or discovered by the classroom teachers, and three teachers were the appointed "trainers" of the parents.
The teachers and students certainly benefited, but the parents benefited more than I would have anticipated. They enjoyed the time with the kids.
BONUS RESULT: We had a small group of parents who understood and actually saw the power of number sense and the end goal of the new math standards. They helped spread the good word, and our community benefited!
We began something we called Putting Parents in the Equation. We had a group of parent volunteers who came in once a week and worked, usually two to a grade level, with students. Teachers determined which students would go out in small groups each week. Number sense was the parents' focus. So they weren't really helping with homework or class work, they were playing math games that required some problem solving.
The games were designed or discovered by the classroom teachers, and three teachers were the appointed "trainers" of the parents.
The teachers and students certainly benefited, but the parents benefited more than I would have anticipated. They enjoyed the time with the kids.
BONUS RESULT: We had a small group of parents who understood and actually saw the power of number sense and the end goal of the new math standards. They helped spread the good word, and our community benefited!