Lower School Division News: Oct. 31, 2024

By Dr. Debra Sass, Lower School Division Head

Dear parents and families,

You may recall that Prodigy is an engaging, standards-aligned, digital game-based learning platform that Lower School students can access on their personal Chromebooks. Success in the game requires students to correctly answer math questions that adapt to their learning needs. It also gives teachers the ability to differentiate math practice. In an increasingly tech-filled world, Prodigy takes things one step further and harnesses technology with game-based learning that is engaging as well as effective. Prodigy seamlessly tracks progress as students work through math concepts and helps teachers identify where students are excelling, as well as where they need support. While all of that sounds great, perhaps you’ve wondered from time to time if the screen time involved in using the Prodigy math platform in the classroom is truly beneficial to your child’s education. 

At Winston we offer a delicate balance between in-class lessons and educational gameplay. Teachers introduce students to new concepts and show them how they work. Students then practice these concepts through digital games. Every student learns differently, and math games are designed to cater to a variety of learning styles. Whether a student is a visual learner who thrives on colorful graphics or a kinesthetic learner who prefers hands-on activities, there are math activities suited to their needs. By providing diverse learning experiences, Prodigy ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed and excel in mathematics. 

At the risk of stating the obvious, we all recognize that math games inject an element of fun into learning. They turn what may seem like a daunting subject into an enjoyable activity. By gamifying math concepts, students become more enthusiastic about tackling challenges and exploring mathematical concepts. However, aside from the fun, there are a lot of good reasons to use games for teaching math. Here are a few to consider. 

Active Engagement

One of the key benefits of math games is their ability to promote active engagement. Unlike traditional teaching methods that rely heavily on passive learning, math games encourage students to be actively involved in the learning process. Students are actively applying mathematical concepts in a dynamic and interactive way. Games also provide immediate feedback, allowing children to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills quickly. At Winston, we find that our students typically master new skills faster while using technology than when they are using non-interactive tools such as books, videos, or flash cards in isolation.

Reinforce Concepts

Repetition is crucial for mastering any skill, and math games provide the perfect opportunity for reinforcing mathematical concepts. Through repeated exposure in a game-based environment, students solidify their understanding of fundamental math principles without even realizing it. The hands-on nature of Prodigy allows for continuous practice, leading to improved retention and mastery of skills. Prodigy covers all basic operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This comprehensive approach ensures that our children gain a well-rounded understanding of math.

Foster Critical Thinking

Math games are not just about rote memorization; they also stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By engaging in these cognitive processes, Winston students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and sharpen their analytical abilities. 

Boost Motivation

One of the most significant advantages of math games is their ability to boost motivation and confidence in students. Unlike traditional teaching methods that may have lead to disengagement or frustration in the past, Prodigy offers our students a sense of achievement and progress with each successful challenge that they overcome. The element of competition, whether against oneself or others, motivates students to strive for improvement and take ownership of their learning journey. Student ownership of learning at Winston is especially important because it can help our students develop skills that are essential for success, such as self-motivation, critical thinking, and problem solving. Students who take ownership of their learning are also more likely to develop self-regulation skills, which help them understand where they are on the path to a goal and make adjustments as needed. Finally, students who take ownership of their learning are more likely to develop enhanced self-advocacy and decision-making skills. 

I think we can safely conclude that the benefits of incorporating math games into learning environments are undeniable. From making math fun and engaging to fostering critical thinking and self-advocacy, math games like Prodigy offer a myriad of advantages that enhance the learning experience for students of all ages. I’ve heard it said that “Math may not teach us to add love or subtract hate, but it gives us hope that every problem has a solution.” I really like that.

Converting negatives into positives,

Dr. Debra Sass

A LOOK AHEAD 

Friday, November 1 - LAST DAY to order Homecoming Mums

Friday, November 1 - Tuition Assistance Applications open for the 25-26 school year (Current families)

Friday, November 1 - Lower School Recognition Assembly

Parents of students being recognized will be notified and invited to attend.

Friday, November 1 - Early Dismissal (Professional Development)

Lower & Middle School: 12 p.m.

Upper School: 12:25 p.m.

Wednesday, November 6 - PTO Meeting, 8:15 a.m.

LOCATION: Boardroom

Thursday, November 21 - Admission Coffee (Tell a Friend!) 

Friday, November 22 - Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Lower School: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Middle School: 12 - 3 p.m.

Upper School: 12:45 - 2:45 p.m.

RSVP YOUR GUEST HERE

Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break

Monday, December 2 - Classes Resume

GENERAL UPDATES

LOWER SCHOOL FALL CONCERT IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 @ 11 A.M.

In order to accommodate the visitors on campus for Grandparents and Special Friends Day, we ask that you arrive no earlier that 10:45 a.m. to find seating. It will be a busy day here at Winston and parking will be limited, so please carpool with family members if you can. Overflow parking will be across the street BEHIND the library or in the church parking lot. We will have a shuttle running across the street and volunteers to help direct you to the proper spaces. 

TOGETHER WE SOAR IN PRODIGY

Winston holds the top scores for Prodigy’s statewide challenge for all of quarter 1! 

Texas Statewide Challenge #1
1st place- grades 4,5,6
2nd place-grades K-1, 3

Texas Statewide Challenge #2
1st place- grades K-1,4,5,6

Texas Statewide Challenge #3
1st place – grades 4,5,6
2nd place – grade K -1