By Shelley Smithssmith@salisburypost.com
Hurley Elementary students participated in Food Lion’s family math nights this week at the 525 Jake Alexander Blvd. Food Lion. More than 300 students and their parents/guardians participated on Tuesday and Thursday night.
Each child was given a math worksheet designed for students of each grade level (K-5), asking questions to help them solve real-world math.
“This is math for practical life,” said Hurley Elementary Principal Kim Walton. “It takes what they’ve learned in the classroom and applies it to real life.” Walton noted that the activities met the state’s math objectives.
Tajma Hartsell, customer service and sales manager of the Jake Alexander Food Lion, said the students really enjoy exploring the shelves and aisles.
“This creates a live learning environment, and teaches everyday math to students,” said Hartsell. “It’s our way of doing something for the community.”
Jessica Sullivan, a fifth-grade Hurley student, was completing her worksheet with her father and younger brother, Kevin, who happened to participate in Tuesday’s math night.
“It makes me understand more than if we were just doing things out of a book,” said Jessica.
Kevin’s second-grade worksheet included patterns.
“I thought it was neat recreating patterns with food,” he said. “I used Jell-o and pudding mixes.”
Abraham Montalvo, a third-grader, hopes the exercise will help his family with grocery shopping.
“I like it because I get to find stuff, and it will help me and my family,” said Abraham.
“I like adding up the numbers and different prices,” said fifth- grade student Tyzarea Alexander.
Third-graders and friends Carley Roysten and Katie Prince had a lot of fun walking around together during the exercise.
“We’re able to move around in the store and have fun,” said Carley. “It’s better than being in the classroom.”
“Instead of picturing what you’re trying to figure out, you’re looking at it and touching it,” said Katie. “It’s better.”
The math worksheets included problems such as, “You have $20 to spend on this aisle. You may not purchase two of the same item, and you may take advantage of MVP prices. How will you spend your money?”
Other tasks included net weight differences between a small can of fruit and large can of fruit, the cost differences between a two liter bottle of Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Food Lion brand soft drink, and weighing apples and other fruits and vegetables.
Donna Pruitt called the math night “wonderful.”
“We enjoyed it very much,” said Pruitt, whose daughter already hopes they’ll choose to participate next year. “It’s positive for the kids.”
“This is something for the kids and something for the parents,” said participating parent Nicole Phillips. “It’s a great thing to do together with your kids.”
Food Lion also gave out door prizes ($50 gift cards to one parent and one teacher), as well as a gift basket.