Washington Middle School seventh-grader Klandya Mettler rolled the dice as she played "Multiplication Roll 'Em" with fifth-grader Andrea Hayes during supervisory period in Jill Smeraldo's class. She rolled a four and a six and entered 24 on the worksheet. Andrea rolled next.
"Six times five equals 30."
"Great, does yours have a higher total than mine?" asked Klandya.
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Washington Middle School seventh-grader Klandya Mettler worked with fifth-grader Andrea Hayes on a ‘‘Multiplication Roll ’Em’’ game during Math Mentoring time.
"Yes it does," said Andrea as she circled the 30.
The students were paired together during math mentor time. Seventh-grade students, recommended by math teacher Candace Callen, are meeting with fifth-graders to review and practice math skills with math games, math fact fluency practice and homework help in Mrs. Smeraldo's and Patty Lefford's classes. The fun and educational activities are done in small group settings by the seventh-grade students who serve a teachers and role models.
"We feel that having older students work with the younger students provides them with a good role model and leads to a positive school community," said Mrs. Smeraldo. "It also provides our students with more one-on-one assistance practicing those skills and gives them an opportunity to be a friend with someone who exemplifies the character traits of a Lobo Leader. The students look forward to spending the time together and we hope to see the mentoring ideas expand."