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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

18. Questions?