Jessica Galla

Galla teamed up with teachers Sue Dalton, Fran Dombrowski, Kathy Darby, and Diane Hardy to create "Math, Math Everywhere!" The program integrates math and literacy skills so first grade students see how math concepts are used in the world around them to make learning math more meaningful. Children are introduced to math topics through poems and songs, books that show how math is used in everyday life, and by hearing from parents who share how they use math at home and at work. Students also take photos of math in action at home and compile a class book, and they share math bookbags that include a math-related book and a response journal. The students' learning of math concepts is enriched and strengthened through the use of reading, writing and literature, as well as further exploration of math outside the classroom.