“Math is my favorite part of Darlington, especially playing Seek and Solve,” said fourth-grader Aiden Cloud.
“My favorite is identifying objects in books and small group discussions about the books we read,” Caroline McRay eagerly added.
Ashlyn Woods exclaimed that she liked science and helping with experiments and art.
When I surprised Mrs. Anthony’s fourth-grade class with a visit, they were in a group discussion about a book called "Number the Stars." The students were making connections between current events and the book. Cappie May even made a comparison between an incident in the book and the recent tragedy in Boston. They went on to identify objects in the book with hidden meanings. I was ecstatic about what I was witnessing from these bright, young minds.
Afterward, the students broke out into small groups. Each was reading a historical fiction book based on a different era. When I joined a small group of boys, they seemed completely engrossed and excited about sharing their observations with me. John Andrew Cash showed me the Constitution they had created, complete with rules and consequences. Another group was working on a timeline of events corresponding to their book, while yet another was engaged in a discussion about the connections between objects in the book and the symbols they represented. One group even Face Timed a classmate who was absent so that she could participate in their discussion!
At break, Cooper Cates told me that he liked writing personal narratives. Mrs. Anthony showed me two narratives that were based on a trip they had taken to the Tennessee Aquarium. Now, I know that reading and writing are a major focus of our PK-4 program but wow! I was blown away by their writing skills and their ability to express themselves so well.
What an incredible experience in just one and a half hours -- I couldn't wait to get to math with Mr. Dacy. Today, the students were grading their homework, which consisted of identifying polygons and types of triangles. I thought to myself, I remember doing this in geometry and these students are only in fourth grade -- amazing!
Mr. Dacy then announced that they would play Seek and Solve. The class was thrilled and I couldn't help but be excited, too! The students were directed to find 32 problems hidden around the classroom and answer them. As I walked around the classroom with the students, looking for the questions, we found all kinds of topics including algebraic equations, probability, fractions, decimals, statistics and, yes, application problems (the dreaded word problems!) The students finished within 45 minutes and Mr. Dacy went over the answers. What a fun, active way to learn!
When I asked Tyler Watkins what he liked best at Darlington, he quickly responded that it was the people and friendships. I second that! Again, I was fortunate to witness an amazing experience in the world of Darlington's Lower School and I even made some new fourth-grade friends. What a great day!
If you are interested in visiting fourth grade or any other grade level at Darlington, please contact me anytime. I'm always looking for a great excuse to get into the classroom!
