By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–2 X 2 still equals 4.
How it is calculated today, though, has changed a little.
As a result, Union City Elementary School fourth grade teachers Kristy Jones and Alicia Suiter configured a plan to aid both students and their parents while navigating those changes.
The two teamed to organize and host a “Community Math Night” Tuesday at UCES, presenting parents the Area Model for today’s multiplication learning.
“The strategy (used today) is different from what we were taught when many of us were in school,” Jones said. “So, we wanted to give parents an opportunity to learn the skills to be able to help their children at home.
“And we were excited to share with the parents what our students are learning in the classroom.”
Collectively, the twelve parents in attendance were grateful of the opportunity to both participate and learn.
“This program is a great idea,” said Heather Hunt, mother of fourth-grade student Malik Hunt. “Not only does it allow parents to see what their children are learning, but it also allows parents to learn the many different and new ways math has advanced and how to help parents teach their children better at home.
“I am very excited that I was able and allowed to be a part of this program because it was very helpful and beneficial. Thank you!”
The session was sponsored by the UC Elementary School PTO, which provided two $25 gift cards for a random drawing afterward. Leticia Maldonado and Chris McPhearson were the winners.
A second “Community Math Night” — with a focus on division strategies – is set for Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., at UCES. All fourth-grade parents are eligible and encouraged to attend with no sign-up required.