Movement + math = fun
Fox Hill fifth-grade students are using their math in a practical setting.
The elementary school received grant funding for a program called “Math in Your Feet,” which clog dancer Malke Rosenfeld presents to schools through Young Audiences of Indiana.
“It applies math in real-world situations,” Rosenfeld said. “I hope kids come away with a sense of pride from their creative problem solving.”
Throughout the school week, classes meet with Rosenfeld five times.
Each day they work on concepts that are used in math and dance, including understanding, experimenting, creativity, combination and pattern transformation.
Kids use simple dance steps including jumps, slides, hops and turns and create their own four-beat patterns with partners moving forward, backward, left right and diagonal on squares taped to the floor.
“I like hopping and all of the feet moves,” said Adhaim Berhe, 11, who said using math terms and directions helps her remember how to move her feet in the pattern she and her partner created.
“It makes math more fun,” said partner Meriah Atkinson, 10. “My favorite part is the exercising when we get to do our moves fast.”
When the concept of combining math and dance clicks with the kids, “I see light bulbs,” Rosenfeld said.
In the classrooms, teachers use workbooks to further math skills that meet state standards.
“I build a bridge, and depending on the goals of the teachers, they direct the workbook work,” Rosenfeld said.
Visit www.mathinyourfeet.com for more information.
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