Thanksgiving dinner shopping at Gibsons Marketplace IGA last week was an opportunity for Roberts Creek students to practice their math and do some good deeds.
Roberts Creek Elementary School teacher Barry Krangle took his Grade 6/7 math students to the IGA to find out if their cost estimates for a Thanksgiving dinner were accurate. The students also volunteered their time helping seniors.
"This is part of a hands-on math program I'm developing," said Krangle.
All week students in his class planned a Thanksgiving dinner for 15 people, searching for the best deals and figuring out prices based on weight and quantity.
Gibsons Marketplace IGA owner Bob Hoy stopped by the school and talked to the students about sales, marketing and the more personal aspects of running a large business.
"He talked about work ethic in general, being courteous and kind," said Krangle.
Students arrived at Gibsons Marketplace IGA early Thursday morning to check if their price estimates were accurate for their imaginary Thanksgiving feasts.
Many found they weren't too far off. Sam Garmulewicz and Max MacDonald actually came in below budget. "We thought it would cost $84 but it was only $70.69," said Garmulewicz.
Both students said now that they are familiar with the cost of groceries and know their way around IGA, they plan to help their parents with grocery shopping in the future.
And all of Krangle's students spent time helping other shoppers while at the grocery store.
After they were finished checking their prices, they manned different areas of the store, helping customers pack groceries, carry them out, find items and check prices. Some students helped package baking and cleaned dishes behind the counter.
Thursday was seniors' day at the grocery store. Krangle thought it would be the perfect opportunity for his students to not only put their math skills to the test, but also be able to interact with a section of the population they don't necessarily take the time to talk to.
"This is a chance to break down some inhibitions students might have about talking to seniors. They are taking the time to hear their stories and relate to them, and it's wonderful to see them taking the time to appreciate that part of our community," said Krangle.
Hoy was impressed with the students and their enthusiasm.
"It's a great experience for the kids and the seniors. You can see the kids really enjoy it. They're learning a lot about things like courtesy and they're using their math skills by doing conversions and helping add up shopping lists," said Hoy.
Krangle said the field trip was a great success and hopes to use similar experiences in the future to help bring life to the equations in his students' textbooks.
"The math curriculum is getting so difficult, but when you can move away from the textbook and use it in everyday life, the learning triples," said Krangle.
