Freeport Fifth Graders Prep With Pep For New State Math Test

Freeport students have made tremendous strides in their collective success on state assessments, earning recognition by the New York State Education Department for their performance in math and English. This year, the district’s fifth graders have been working harder than ever, sharpening their skills in preparation for the new grade five state mathematics assessment.

Before their first foray into this standardized exam, students at the Caroline G. Atkinson School had a “prep rally,” to let loose a little before the big test while bolstering their confidence and reinforcing the lessons they had learned. After a rousing round of cheers with the school’s step and drill team, youngsters engaged in some innovative—and entertaining—math exercises.

The first group of students offered a unique geometry refresher, demonstrating line symmetry using the letters of the alphabet. These clever young mathematicians posed problems to their fellow fifth graders such as, “what kind of line symmetry does the letter ‘H” have?” Using simple sheets of blank paper, another group of youngsters engaged in geometric performance art, physically depicting angles, as well as parallel, intersecting and perpendicular lines.

One group of students delivered a division demonstration using shopping carts filled with books. The youngsters posed, “If 477 books need to be put on shelves, but only four books can be put on each shelf, how many shelves are needed?” The answer is trickier than you might think!

On the fraction front, youngsters gave pointers on how to estimate fractions by lining up and asking their fellow fifth graders to determine various fractions of the line. For example, “Which student marks 1/10 of the line?” To make their point that equivalent fractions are really just “fractions in disguise,” another group of students dressed in costume. Masquerading as various fractions wearing masks and wigs, these junior mathematicians illustrated the fact that equivalent fractions look different but mean the same thing, such as 9/12 and 3/4.

The last group of youngsters to present offered helpful test-taking tips, such as getting a good night’s rest the night before the test, eating a healthy breakfast that morning to give you energy, and most importantly, doing the best you can and never giving up. “Let’s get excited about tomorrow!” Principal Linda Carter encouraged her students at the rally. “You’re going to do a phenomenal job,” she assured them.

“The essential point was to boost morale, to energize the students and to let them know that we’re there with them,” says Math Specialist Arlene Easter, who helped organize the rally. “We wanted them to come in refreshed and ready to put everything they’ve got into the test.”

“We want to present math as something that’s fun, not drudgery,” says Math and Science Teacher Dolores McMillan, the woman behind the rally. “Students have to be excited in order to learn. They have to want to get involved and want to participate. Without motivation and interest,” she notes, “learning is hampered.”