Garfield Elementary welcomed families on Thursday, March 19, for an exciting and interactive Family Math Night designed specifically for students in grades K–2. The event, organized by a teacher planning committee, transformed math practice into a fun, hands-on experience that brought students and their families together.
“I hope that parents and students alike take away a love for math and see that math can be fun. Math learning isn't just memorizing a skill by repeatedly doing problems on paper, but through fun activities that make the memorization meaningful,” shared Mrs. Whittington, Kindergarten Teacher.
Throughout the evening, families rotated through a variety of interactive stations that highlighted essential math skills such as addition, subtraction, and early multiplication. Each activity encouraged students to think critically while also promoting teamwork and cooperation.
One of the most popular stations put a creative spin on the classic game Twister. Instead of simply calling out colors, students rolled a die and solved a math problem to determine their next move, blending physical activity with critical thinking. Another highlight of the night was the “Guess the Candy Jar” challenge, where students used their estimation skills to predict how many candies were inside. The closest guess took home the sweet reward!
Families also had fun playing classic math-focused games like Shut the Box and addition bingo. These activities provided meaningful opportunities for students and their families to work together while strengthening foundational math skills.
“Math nights, along with other evening activities, help bridge school and home by giving families a chance to step into their child’s learning experience. It’s always fun to see your child learning,” the team shared. “We knew the event was a success as students eagerly moved from station to station, collecting punches on their cards, trying new games, and sharing their excitement with friends. Students were especially excited to hear the winners of the estimation jar and raffle prizes!” Whittington said.
Garfield’s Family Math Night was a wonderful example of how learning can be both educational and fun. By creating opportunities for families to engage in math together, the event helped build confidence, strengthen skills, and foster a positive attitude toward mathematics.
