VGCC instructor presents math workshops for Boys & Girls Clubs
Vance-Granville Community College recently provided special math workshops for elementary school children involved in the local Boys & Girls Clubs organization. Jacquelin Heath, head of the college’s School-Age Education program, presented a series called “Math Manipulatives for Youth” in June and July at the Boys & Girls Club site in Louisburg. The lessons were aimed at students, ages 5 to 8, in the organization’s summer programs who needed to improve their math skills.
In educational terminology, a “mathematical manipulative” is a learning tool that allows a student, typically a younger child, to learn concepts in a concrete way by holding and using the object. Heath used manipulatives including Cuisenaire rods, Unifix cubes, Geoboards and pattern blocks to teach lessons on addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and other subjects. “Manipulatives are valuable tools which provide a tactile, visual and concrete approach to abstract math,” Heath said. “Numbers are associated with color and size characteristics. Students begin to associate numbers with spaces, and mathematics begins to take on more meaning. That meaning may be visible, colorful and tactile. It’s gratifying to see students understanding concepts being presented a different way in math.” She added that the program was offered by the college as a community service initiative, at no charge to the Boys & Girls Clubs. “This was the first time I have done a project like this with local children, and I was delighted that we could help meet a community need,” Heath said.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina is a non-profit organization serving youth from six to 18 years of age. Its stated mission is “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” The local organization is based in Henderson and has after-school program locations in Vance and Franklin counties. Boys & Girls Clubs often provide internships to VGCC School-Age Education students, including two students working this summer at the Louisburg site. “I am excited to partner with VGCC and Ms. Heath,” said Jerome Levisy, the CEO of the local Boys & Girls Club organization. “I have always been impressed with Ms. Heath and VGCC’s community initiatives to assist other local non-profit agencies. The majority of our elementary students struggle with math. The Math Manipulatives for Youth series will greatly enhance our students’ comprehension skills and provide a solid foundation for learning when they return to school in the fall. I’m honored that VGCC selected the Boys & Girls Club as a partner for summer learning opportunities.”
VGCC offers an Associate in Applied Science degree and a diploma in School-Age Education , as well as a School-Age Care certificate. School-Age Education prepares students to work in learning environments for children in Kindergarten through Middle Childhood years. Many graduates are employed as teacher’s assistants in elementary schools. For more information, contact Jacquelin Heath at (252) 738-3298.
Above: Jackie Heath (standing, left), head of the School-Age Education program at VGCC, leads children at the Boys & Girls Club site in Louisburg in a learning exercise using Cuisenaire rods. (VGCC photo)
