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TAMMY MARKS
Isaak Wiebe, a Grade 4 highschool math student at J. C. Charyk School in Hanna, Alberta, enjoys his favourite time of day (other than phys ed)—algebraic equation time with high school teacher and math guru Ray Mitchell.
An appetite for numbers
As a classroom teacher with close to 20 years’ experience, I am the first to admit that teaching students at the top of my class is often a challenge. I’ve learned many strategies to accommodate these students over the years, and I’ve created some stellar projects and lessons. However, despite my best intentions, my struggling students tend to get more of my time and assistance than those who excel.
This year I moved out of the classroom and into the role of special education facilitator. My new responsibilities included supporting teachers in our Grades 4–9 school by helping them develop programs for students with special needs. I’ve always been passionate about special education, so I was thrilled by my new role.
Midway through the year, I met my nemesis—an inquisitive, bright-eyed, spiky-haired nine-year-old boy with an appetite for numbers who had decided he was no longer going to participate in math class. Although he excelled at mathematics, his classroom teacher and his parents agreed to have him complete an assessment to more precisely determine his ability. After completing his assessment, he raced down the hall to see his mom, who teachers at the school. He proclaimed that he’d just had the best day ever and begged to be taught about mixed fractions (a question that had puzzled him during the test). The results confirmed our suspicions that his skills were well beyond grade level. Awesome! But now what?
Remember that old adage—it takes a village to raise a child? Well, JC Charyk School has become the village for this math whiz. For starters, the junior high math teacher has helped organize an alternative math program for the boy. This has been a terrific success and is much appreciated by student and teacher alike. As well, every Tuesday, the school’s über-cool high school math guru (and second-year teacher) opens his classroom to this exceptional young man, who confidently takes his place among the Grade 9 to 12 students. He shows up prepared, with a question or two up his sleeve. The first day, he wanted to learn about order of operations, and recently he’s been working on exponents. I suspect a mutual bond is developing over a shared love of mathematics and, perhaps, both teacher and pupil recognize parts of themselves in each other.
Our school has faced numerous challenges over the past few years as declining enrolment has led to a reduction in programs and teachers. However, I’m proud to see how a shared passion for learning, teamed with a genuine concern for students, has prompted our small rural school to come up with such a creative and positive solution. ❚
“Moot Points” is your chance to write about a funny incident, a lesson learned or a poignant experience related to teaching. What’s more, we pay $45 for every story published. Keep submissions brief (250–500 words) and make sure you include your address, telephone number and biographical note. The editor reserves the right to edit for content and length. Send your submission to jonathan.teghtmeyer@ata.ab.ca and include “Moot Points” in the subject line.
