More Learning Adventures at Diggs-Latham Elementary

By Amanda Gordon
Magnet Coordinator & Art Teacher
Diggs-Latham Elementary School

To say we are excited about learning at Diggs-Latham Elementary A+ Magnet School of Arts Integration & Performance is definitely an understatement. Every day there is a buzz throughout the hallways and in the classrooms with students and teachers working hard, solving problems, working on projects, and making connections to real life. Just as Social Studies and Science show up in our routines and we read, read, read through signs, print, and text everywhere, math matters in many tasks and activities that we do daily.

Recently, the first grade team of teachers – Cymbre Cooke, Melissa Lemmerman, Sidonna Brown, and Nohora Martinez – planned a Winter Olympics unit to get their students excited about learning measurement. 

Mrs. Cooke explained, "We wanted to find an engaging and memorable way to teach measurement; if children are moving and playing while they learn, the skills seem to be much more ingrained into their memories." 

Within each classroom, students were divided into small teams; they chose names, created flags and cheered on their teams. Mrs. Lemmerman's students started their unit with a parade of flags. They researched different countries and watched last year's opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics in order to prepare for their parade. 

Throughout the week, students participated in "Speed Skating," "Cross Country Long Step," "Free Style Jump," and "Snowball Throw." Each activity presented a unique way to measure using non-standard units. While children participated in the events, teachers coached the spectating students through cheers and announcements. At the end of the unit, groups were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and celebrated with a snack.

Fifth grade teachers – Michelle Moore, Kim Bersch, Ludy Lizarazo, and Krista Moroni – took their decimal unit to a whole new level by creating a "Decimal Diner." During first quarter, the 5th grade team created a "Construction Zone" to teach volume, and since that activity was so successful, Mrs. Moore said the team decided to plan a similar unit once each quarter.

Decimals are a major cluster in the 5th grade math curriculum this quarter, so "Decimal Diner" served as a review. Within the diner, the teachers served as chefs, complete with hats and aprons, and they served the students lemonade and brownies, which were on the menu of "Decimal Diner."  While in the diner, students rotated through three stations. In the first station, students were given receipts for orders, and they had to figure out costs of items and then total the receipts. In the second station, students were given menus and the opportunity to order from the menu. 

The students ordering had a certain amount of money, and the students taking orders had to use subtraction of decimals to decide if the money was enough to purchase the ordered items based on costs listed on the menus. In the third station, students were given a series of orders, and they had to arrange the costs of the orders from least to greatest. "Decimal Diner" was well organized and decorated and helped students see how decimals are used in real life outside of math class.

Creating real-world connections and authentic learning activities upholds our Essentials and Pillars as an A+ School of North Carolina and a National Magnet School. The 8 Essentials of A+ Schools include working, planning and focusing on the Arts, Curriculum, Experiential Learning, Multiple Learning Pathways, Enriched Assessment, Collaboration, Infrastructure, and Climate. 

Magnet School pillars address Diversity, Innovative Curriculum and Professional Development, Academic Excellence, High Quality Instructional Systems, and Family and Community Partnerships. The First Grade Winter Math Olympics and the 5th Grade Decimal Diner created an inviting learning environment that allowed students to experience their learning, fully engage with all senses, and collaborate with other students and their teachers.