We had a great visit today at Northside Elementary in Texas City visiting Amanda Ewer’s first grade class. Earlier this year, Ms. Ewer received a Texas City ISD Foundation for the Future grant to fund the purchase of MathStart books. Ms. Ewer had titled her grant application “AHHHH! The Math Book Is Alive,” and as one of the sponsors of the grant, we wanted to go and see these crazy monster math books for ourselves.
First Choice Power’s own Community Ambassador Catherine Carlton, plus Stephannie Richardson and Shawn Babbs from our Texas City Local office, joined Ms. Ewer’s class just after lunch. The students were working on a lesson about how to sort and count coins using the Lemonade for Sale and The Penny Pot books. “You have to know how to pay your bills,” Ms. Ewer told the class.
Bailee, a student in Ms. Ewer’s class, told us “It helps us learn and makes our brains bigger.” “They’re great… and funny,” said Lance, seven years old. Ms. Ewer explained that the MathStart books are so successful because they apply math to everyday situations, combining literature, math and science. This allows Ms. Ewer and her colleagues to teach using real-world examples and hands-on projects that create strong connections for the kids. “It gives me tools. It connects with writing and reading. I get so excited about doing math,” Ms. Ewer told us.
We were happy to help, Ms. Ewer! Just don’t give us any homework. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Current for information on everything from saving electricity to helping out kids and teachers at our local elementary.
Yea! Connecting math and literature — ALWAYS a good idea!
What a great looking class!! You could not of made a better selection. She is an amazing teacher who thinks outside the box. These books are going to be a great addition.