Middle School Math Mentors 2004-2005 at Wilb Middle School

Susan Fitts
Wilbraham Middle School
M³ - Middle school Math Mentors

Each week between Nov. 17th and Feb. 17th, 28 eighth graders from WMS participated in a tutoring program (called M³ ) at Stony Hill School. On Wednesday afternoons, after school, half of this group went to Stony Hill and worked with a group of 18 fourth graders and on Thursday the remaining eight graders worked with a group of 12 sixth graders.

The eighth grade mentors worked with the same elementary student(s) throughout the program. This enabled the mentors to watch for progress and to develop a nice relationship with their "mentees"! The mentors for the fourth grade group were very creative. On their own they made flash cards and games to help their students learn their multiplication facts. The eighth graders also learned quickly how rewards (candy!) seemed to be a great incentive for their charges!

On our last week of tutoring, we had a celebration with all of the participants. When I asked, "How many students felt that they learned something during these sessions?", not only did the elementary students raise their hands, but so did my eighth graders! Once again, this program seemed to be a win-win situation for all participants! Many elementary students and parents asked if the program could continue (due to my schedule, I can't do it again this year). Many of my eighth graders also expressed an interest in continuing, so I encouraged them to think about being tutors for my eighth graders next year!

Thanks for once again giving me the opportunity to offer this program to my students this year.

Susan Fitts
Feb. 28,2005