Class #11--10th Age Math

Friday, October 1, 11:30 A.M. 10th Age Math Class. Class #11 on my “50 Classes or Bust!” journey. The calendar has flipped to October, and the incredible monsoon-like rains of the past two days have finally left the area. I am on the terrace level of the Lower School, in Mr. Brian Mascuch’s classroom. Mr. Mascuch taught a variety of grade levels at Calvert (primarily 5th grade) from 1999-2007 and then left to pursue a unique, enriching opportunity to teach at Shanghai International School for a few years. He is now back at Calvert, teaching the 10-1 boys’ homeroom and coaching several Middle School sports, including football. As the thirteen students settle into their seats, a problem awaits them on the board: Guess the 6 digit number. All the numbers are the same and their sum is 24. After a brief discussion, the class agrees that the correct answer is 444,444. The students spend some time reviewing rounding concepts and adding three-digit numbers. Mr. Mascuch actively moves around the room, checking homework, calling on students, and making sure his pupils are on task and engaged. He then passes out two “Zip” game cards to each student. The cards are numbered 1 through 32 and have clues on them. The game incorporates listening, reading, and math; I decide to participate, and by the end, my brain is tired! The game starts with Mr. Mascuch, saying “I have 27. What is this number minus 9?” I have the 18 card, so I say, “I have 18. Who has this number divided by 2?” The game then volleys around the room, with the clues getting progressively harder. The students meet the challenge extremely well. I am impressed with their accuracy and speed. We move through two rounds and then Mr. Mascuch takes a moment to review the associative property of addition. Next, we transition to another game called “Right Price Race” which involves teamwork, rounding, and speed in discerning numbers from an advertisement chock full of numbers and words. The class is so enthusiastic for the game! Unfortunately, we run out of time; the period ends with a pledge from Mr. Mascuch to continue the game next time they meet. Kudos to Mr. Mascuch and his bright, energetic students!