IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2016 | Page 84

M O O R E E L E M E N TA R Y N E W S Brentwood Borough School District Mystery Reader C ITSYCO HO F OL MC KE D ISES TRPOR IC TTNNE E WS WS cKeespor tBorough rentwood The first grade teachers at Moore Elementary invite first graders’ parents, older siblings, grandparents, relatives, or other special people to volunteer to read a favorite story aloud to our classes. We feel this is an exciting way to instill the joy of reading in our students. Part of the thrill is the surprise: we schedule two “Mystery Readers” a month but won’t reveal the identity of the readers to the students until the reader steps in front of the class. Students eagerly anticipate the arrival of the next Mystery Reader. Moore Elementary Hosts Parent and Grandparent Math Nights During a couple of the snowy, winter nights in January, 4th grade teacher, Sharon Sullivan and 5th grade teacher, Rebecca Hagerty invited parents to the elementary school to discuss the expectations of the new math curriculum and to demonstrate how students are learning math at the intermediate level. On January 14th, fourth grade parents and grandparents learned about concepts related to multiplication and division, and reviewed strategies they are learning in the classroom. On January 20th, fifth grade parents and grandparents took part in a fractions workshop where they were introduced to various methods for solving and simplifying. In addition to the strategies, the teachers explained why we use those particular methods and how those methods of solving will help students in future years as they move towards Algebra and Geometry. Essentially, the goal for both math nights was to help parents help their children understand and make sense of mathematics. By using the same language in the classroom and at home, students are set up for success and their confidence continues to build as they move through content and grade levels. We look forward to offering more sessions in the future ! 82 Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall