How can teachers build math facts in a fun and supportive environment? Katie Conaron, Gifted Support Teacher at Schwenksville Elementary School, plans to use “family night” style games to help students build their math skills engagingly and positively. Learning math facts through these games allows her students to not feel isolated or overwhelmed but instead supported and encouraged.
Conaron recognized the need within her students and school community to foster a greater understanding of math facts. She wanted to develop a motivational way for students to build these skills, especially before transitioning into middle school. Math builds upon the foundational skills of understanding multiplication facts, so she views these resources as a way to build them up. Conaron noted, “I chose these games to create entry options for ALL of my students. These are games that will allow for students with learning gaps to play alongside high flyers. They are games that bring math to the forefront but also allow for a little bit of luck.”
When PVSD Foundation Executive Director, Kristin Craven, and Board members, Michael Wagman and Wayde Weston visited Mrs. Conaron’s class to present the games to the class, Mrs. Conaron said later,
To support this learning opportunity, PVSD Foundation provided funding for 30 games that will immediately be put to good use, in Conaron’s math class, indoor recess, and other times throughout the day. Purchasing multiple quantities of different games will allow larger groups to participate, further demonstrating their value and the spirit of collaboration. This project demonstrates the value PVSD Foundation places on supporting those foundational learning skills in an engaging, collaborative way.
