Markeshia Ricks Photo
Math Instructional Coach Mindy Schwartzman explains the ropes.
Mauro Sheridan third-graders and first-graders were in the back of the cafeteria dutifully scooping seeds out of pumpkins with gusto, but they weren’t getting very far.
They needed the seeds to work on counting in tens, but first they needed enough seeds to do it.
“Get in their with your hands,” Math Instructional Coach Mindy Schwartzman urged. “Like this!”
3rd graders Britain Rouse and Cashun Silva scoop out more seeds to work on counting in tens.
Then she stuck her hands into the guts of one of the pumpkin halves and pulled out slimy handful. And so went just one part of the school’s annual pumpkin investigation Tuesday.
Each year at Mauro Sheridan first and third-grade students to learn a variety of concepts in math, like how to find the circumference of an object and how to estimate its size, using traditional and non-traditional tools. Lowe’s Home Improvement and parents donate the pumpkins.
Principal Sandra Kaliszewski chats with students.
“Third graders get to be the expert,” Schwartzman pointed out.
That’s because they participated in the pumpkin investigation in the first grade. In addition to learning leadership skills, everyone learns how to work in a group.
University of New Haven student teacher makes a point.
The third graders act as leaders at their tables, showing the younger students how to use blocks and string to measure the circumference of the pumpkins.
It also takes quite a number of teachers to prepare for the pumpkin investigation before hand. They also work the room to help students stay on task and make sure they’re engaged.
ESL teacher Mike Esposito helps students fill out their worksheets
Teachers Mike Esposito and Paige Jokl often sat down next to students answering questions and helping students with their measurements. Even school Principal Sandra Kaliszewski was getting in on the fun.
3rd grader Krystal Myers and 1st grader Saniya Campbell scoop pumpkin seeds with 3rd grade teacher Andria West.
Andria West, who teaches third grade, helped the girls get the seeds out of the pumpkins in the back of the room, while also reminding them what they were supposed to do with the seeds when they were done.
“Remember to count them on the sheets,” she said to Cashun Silva.
“One at a time,” Cashun skeptically asked.
“By tens,” West replied.
Third grader Kevon Moore measures with third grade teacher Paige Jokl
When Schwartzman needed to give new instructions, hands clapped. And the buzz in the room of 125 students died down a little. A few more people joined in with the clapping and more students stopped talking. When most everyone was clapping, talking ceased.
Schwartzman, who used similar activities such as the pumpkin investigation when she was a classroom teacher, said the students get a little noisy. But if you listen closely you can tell they’re not just having fun.
“They’re engaged in what they’re learning about,” she said.
