Family Math Night

I recently helped co-host a S’more Math Family Night event that was a hit for all involved.

We started by having students and their families meet in the school's multi-purpose room, where I introduced some of the new visual models and strategies students would employ this year. After our brief chat, everyone headed off to a classroom where students led some of the Work Places currently in play.

After about 30 minutes of Work Places, everyone headed back to the multi-purpose room to enjoy some s’mores.

Here’s a sample schedule from the event:

• 5:30 – 6:00: Introductions in the Multi-Purpose Room
  Goal: Parents will gain an understanding of the new Common Core State Math Standards and how Bridges in Mathematics addresses those standards.
• 6:00 – 6:30: Math Work Places
  Parents and students will go to grade-level classrooms to play Work Place games together.
• 6:30 – 7:00: Return to Multi-Purpose Room
  S’mores!
  Questions & Reflections

Here are some tips for ensuring a successful and fun Family Math Night:

• Consider your population when choosing a date and time for the event. Our event was in the evening, but you could easily have a morning or noon event if it would better meet the needs of your families.
• Keep your event to less than two hours, maximum.
• Focus on specific outcomes. For S’more Math Night, our goal was to introduce families to the new math standards and the new visual models and strategies in Bridges.
• Involve students as much as possible. For example, have students teach and lead Work Place games.
• Choose a theme. Ours centered on s’mores, but you could use any number of fun themes and have a great outcome. Involving students in generating theme ideas can be a great way to get them excited about the event.

Have you hosted a Family Math Night for your families?  Do you have any tips to share?

Pia Hansen is director of professional development for MLC.