LENOX, Mass. — Principal Brenda Kelley shared that Morris Elementary first graders recently demonstrated their math skills at the school's inaugural Math Olympics.

 

Approximately 50 first-grade students were joined by teachers, math coaches, and several parents at the Lenox Community Center to participate in the Math Olympics.

 

Students competed in six math-centered events, all of which were aligned to an area of the Grade 1 math standards. Some events included the "Long Jump" to measure non-standard units, the "20 Yard Dash" to find numbers on a 120 chart, as well as "Math Musical Chairs."

 

Students also participated in a game called "The Lunge" – a version of the game "Hungry, Hungry Hippos" – where students laid on scooters and collected balls marked with numbers. After collecting as many as possible, students then put them in order from least to greatest.

 

After students competed in all six events, the group walked back to Morris. All students received a gold medal for their participation at a grade-wide assembly later in the day.

 

"We wanted to hold this event because when we add movement and fun into our core academic content, kids get excited and want to participate. The kids had a blast doing math – maybe they didn't even realize that they were doing it," said Grade 1 Teacher Shannon O'Brien. "We are so thankful for the support of the Lenox Community Center and the adults who helped us to pull off such a fun event. Not all kids love math, but the hope is more do now!"