Math Pen Pals Breanne Garrett, William Penn University, Oskaloosa Lindsay Gardner, James Elementary School, Ottumwa

Origination MAA Prep Workshop, Summer 2012 Stuart Moskowitz, Humboldt University, Arcata, CA Desire to collaborate for exposure to ICC math requirements

College Class MATH 205 – Mathematics for Elementary Educators New course at WPU to meet new Iowa Elementary Classroom Teachers endorsement #102 Mostly sophomore standing Math Anxiety fairly elevated

Fourth Grade Class James Elementary School  Diverse School High # of Low SES High # of ELL High # of Immigrant Students Use Everyday Mathematics

College Student Requirements Neat handwriting, proper grammar, etc. Correct mathematics! Good explanations Date every letter, sign with first name only No contact info (cellphone #, facebook, etc.) Two methods of solution per problem Give good feedback No late letters About 5-10% of final grade

Elementary Student Requirements Friendly letter format Neat handwriting Get help from teacher Spelling Grammar Punctuation Paragraphs 1, 2, & 3 Do not share full name

Letter Format Each letter begins with non-mathematical, friendly news Explanation of what math you’re learning in class this week Feedback on solutions submitted to you Thorough solutions (two methods) to new problem given to you Write out new problem given to your pen pal

Learning Curves Write in pencil to easily correct errors Have buddy in class to proofread letter before submitting Use the fourth grade curriculum as a guide Each problem must be different than last Emphasize two methods of solution to one problem – NOT two different problems Gifts?

Math Fun Day Elementary students come to WPU campus Meet pen pals Provide lunch/snacks College students have math activity rotating stations in gym/turf area Stations must be active and have math practice built in

College Student Quotes “I thought that having pen pals was an awesome idea, and I really enjoyed it. I learned through the pen pal letters, and this class, that elementary math has changed a lot. This whole experience has better prepared me for my teaching career.” – Jennifer R “Fun day was a unique experience because we got to meet the children we had been writing to. For one of my pen pals she said it was her favorite part of the school year.” – Erin E

College Student Quotes “I really enjoyed the pen pal program because it was something different. As a future teacher, it was interesting to see their way of thinking about math and the new ways they are teaching it.” - Lex S “The math PenPal was a great experience for me because I got to see the work of students and understand how they view concepts.  The Fun Day was a great day to actually meet each PenPal.  It gave a name to a face.  It was worth my time!” -Miranda S

College Student Quotes “I really enjoyed having a math pen pal, I got to challenge the student with math problems, he got to challenge me on math problems, and we got to talk about things that are going on that week.” - Allison W I really enjoyed having math pen pals and believe it was a great experience for the 4th graders.  I also liked having the opportunity to put a face with a name during our fun day.  I would like to do this with my future elementary class.  -Jenna R

Elementary Student Comments Loved meeting pen pals Liked learning about pen pals, what they were involved in, some athletes Loved Math Fun Day Loved seeing college campus, learning about college Excited to go to college Want to go to William Penn

Questions? garrettb@wmpenn.edu lindsay.gardner@ottumwaschools.com