On Friday, December 20th, 2013, Mrs. Gleave, a math teacher at SJHS, took most of her classes Christmas caroling around the school. However, these songs had a strange twist. Instead of singing about the joys of Christmas, the songs taught about math formulas and when they are used. It all started at the beginning of the week before Christmas break. The students got into their own groups and picked one of the Christmas carol options. They then proceeded to change the lyrics to be about a math formula and how to use it.
Mrs. Gleave explained that, “It’s a fun way to memorize not only math formulas, but a little bit about how or when to use those formulas.”
Mrs. Gleave also says caroling is a fun way to learn because, “When you add a little creativity to your homework you make connections that would be missing otherwise. Students get to work in groups and capitalize their creative skills beyond numbers.”
According to Aubrey Stewart, an eighth grade student in Mrs. Gleave’s class, caroling in school is “the best way to learn.”
Jacob Faber, another eighth grader in Mrs. Gleave’s class, agrees saying, “It’s a fun way to spread the Christmas spirit.”
Most of the songs involved were the most recognizable. This included: “Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer,” “We Three Kings,” “The Twelve days of Christmas,” “ The Little Drummer Boy,” and “Silent Night.”