Class #53--7th Age Math

Monday, May 2, 2011, 11:25 A.M. 7th Age Math Class. Class #53 on my “50 Classes or Bust!” marathon. May is upon us! Where did the school year go? There are only 26 days of classes left…maybe we should add a week at the end of the school year to be able to incorporate more teaching time. Don’t worry, students, I am just kidding, but we actually ARE tight on time, with much to do in a little over a month. Mrs. Pontier’s 11 math students are ready to work this morning. The class is studying a money unit; they have constructed a classroom store, ironically called “Money Tree,” which is stocked with such desirable items as lollipops. plastic balls, and liquid "bubbles" to blow outside. Each student decorates a shopping bag and a money envelope and then receives (plastic) coins--10 pennies, 4 quarters, 5 nickels, and 5 dimes--from the banker, Mrs. Pontier. Each student then shops at the store, with students taking turns as the cashier. One of the boys says with a huge smile, "I got to buy both of the things I wanted. I hit the jackpot!" The boys and girls also have to complete two worksheets to solidify their knowledge about coin value. Today’s class is interactive, hands-on, and very practical. The students have to budget their money and make change, which are life-long skills, for sure. Bravo to Mrs. Pontier and her enthusiastic students for such a wonderful math class!