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Each family was given a primary colored folder with an itinerary of the night’s activities and traveled to five separate classrooms to complete various tasks centered on math skills, such as counting, addition and geometry.

“We want to present math in a fun and engaging way to our students so they are excited about learning it,” said Ms. Michelle Squires, organizer of the program and Roosevelt’s academic intervention support (AIS) math specialist who supports the math program for all teachers at the school.  “This event supports their learning by showing families the different ways they can practice math skills with their children at home.”            

In an activity called, “Coverall Smash,” students, with their family members, used counting and number matching skills by rolling a die, finding the matching number on a ten-frame chart and “smashing” Play-Doh on it. In another activity, called “Race to Fill the Cup,” students took turns rolling a die and for each number they rolled they had to add that many colorful cubes to a cup. The first player to fill his or her cup was the winner.

“The fun in learning math is the challenge, just like the many games that we play,” said Principal Ms. Tami McElwee. “This event was a great success last year when it was first introduced and we’re thrilled that it is well supported by our families as our students work towards becoming critical thinkers.”

Families gathered in the cafeteria to make number crowns and hear a brief welcome from Ms. McElwee before participating in other activities in the classrooms. Oyster Bay High School students in National Math Honor Society were there to assist the children.

Laura McNamara, the District’s K-12 Mathematics Supervisor added, “Ms. Squires and Ms. McElwee presented a well-planned evening with activities that not only sparked excitement and enthusiasm in our young students, but provided a way for families to help their children build a solid math foundation by working with them outside the classroom.”

Kindergarten Math Night Slide Show

Roosevelt families play “Coverall Smash” during Kindergarten Math Night.

Families have fun playing Yahtzee.

Families get crafty with shapes that create a picture of a mouse.

Lego towers build skills while playing a game.

Students get a thrill out of learning math with the “Race to Fill the Cup” activity.