This week, we wrapped up our final class in the garden. We began by settling into our sit spots, where we wrote mathematical thank-you letters to the environment. From my spot, the most prominent feature was a large bush filled with vibrant leaves. As a result, I decided to express my gratitude to them. Below is my thank-you letter:
In the second half of the lesson, we got creative by using our bodies as units of measurement to explore the garden. My partner Leon and I made some interesting observations of how some body parts were similar in size or proportions of each other. This activity brought to mind how my parents often measure spaces in our home with their hands and strides, especially when shopping for furniture or decor. We rarely reach for a measuring tape. I wonder if this stems from their backgrounds. Before moving to Canada, my grandparents were farmers and likely relied on body measurements for planting and harvesting. Recognizing the practicality of this approach has sparked some ideas for my classroom. I could integrate body measurements into lessons on proportions, scaling, and linear relationships. This not only makes math more relatable but also helps students develop their spatial awareness.
Fascinating! And I love your thank you poem to the leaves -- very moving!
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