TEACHING TECHNIQUES MAKE KIDS LIKE MONTH

JACKSON -- Counting popcorn kernels on a ghost? Measuring the circumference of a teddy bear?

It doesn't sound anything like first-grade math to most adults, but the special techniques are used to teach Jackson students the concepts of addition and geometry long before they work any mathematical problems.

First grade teachers from the Primary Annex demonstrated their teaching techniques at the Jackson R-2 Board of Education, Tuesday, illustrating that math doesn't have to be feared.

Teacher Linda Hitt brought some letters from her class describing how they feel about math.

"Math is fun and you learn, too," one said.

"I love to do math," said another.

Hitt attributed the surprising reactions to "Box It or Bag It" math, a hands-on approach to learning addition, subtraction, multiplication, graphing, geometry and patterns before students leave the first grade. Instead of learning by rote, they learn the concepts behind various forms of mathematics.

First-grade teacher Cindy Moore's students began the year by grouping beads, buttons, seashells, pom-pons and colored noodles by their differences and similarities. Later, they categorized them by shape, color and texture.

The next step was counting the items, then arranging them in patterns and then using them in actual math problems.

Each activity gave students the chance to excel or work slowly, depending on their individual paces.

For example, some first-grade students were asked to write mathematical equations to equal the day of the month on Monday -- Jan. 22. One student came up with 21 plus one. But another came up with a more complicated equation, requiring addition, multiplication and subtraction.

The teachers who spoke Tuesday said teachers in higher grade levels -- third and fourth -- now are instructing students who first used "Box It or Bag It" math in Jackson. They see a better comprehension of math and more affection for the subject.

Board members commented that math wasn't that fun when they were in school and they support the new way of teaching.

In other action, the school board adopted several items for an upcoming retreat, scheduled for Jan. 30.

They will discuss four major topics: development of a mission statement, review of the board's philosophy statement, self-evaluation and long-range planning of finances, personnel, facilities and curriculum.

Dr. Howard Jones, superintendent, suggested a specific length of time be established to discuss each topic to speed up progress during the retreat.

He also presented bids on three school buses -- one 78-passenger bus and two 66-passenger buses for a total of $131,325, counting three trade-ins totalling $8,700.

"As I've looked at bus bids over the last 25 years, it continues to amaze me how much buses are today compared to years ago," Jones said. "But the safety requirements have increased significantly."

Board member T. Wayne Lewis suggested hanging onto two of the trade-in 66-passenger buses -- 1987 models -- to use as substitutes in case of an emergency. The board will consider the possibility at a future meeting.

They voted to add two Spanish III classes to the Jackson High School curriculum, having heard several comments from students and teachers about how more Spanish was needed.

"I feel this is very significant in our foreign language offerings," Jones said.

The board's next regular meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Jackson Middle School library.

JACKSON R-2 BOARD OF EDUCATION ACTION

Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Jackson Middle School Library

A. Paid bills.

B. Accepted financial report.

C. Voted to add Spanish III to the high school curriculum for 1996-97.

D. Accepted bids for buses for 1996-97.

E. Adopted school board planning retreat topics.

F. Heard presentation on "Box It or Bag It" math by first-grade teachers at the Primary Annex.

G. Heard legislative forum update.

H. Assistant superintendent's report.

I. Superintendent's report.

J. Discussed future agenda.