CHES 5th Graders Help Make Book Fair Fun for Young Students
Posted on 10/24/2022
Although book fairs are about reading, some fifth grade students at Chapel Hill Elementary School got to showcase their math skills to help younger students enjoy the book fair.
"Shopping for the book fair is always an exciting experience and students always want to purchase everything, but sometimes funds don't allow," said CHES media specialist Cameron Sheldon. "So when reflecting on previous fairs, I remembered that first grade students were usually the ones in most need of assistance when it came to shopping, so we wanted to do something to help them out."
To help, Sheldon partnered with CHES' school counselors, Elisa Vaught and Tracy Small, and the school's fifth grade teachers to select responsible students to help the younger first graders as shopping buddies.
Each day during first grade shopping time, the fifth graders would meet their younger peers and help them practice the real-world skills of working within a budget to purchase items.
"The first graders were delighted to get one-on-one time with the big kids, and the fifth graders were so kind and patient with our small shoppers," Sheldon said. "Our first grade teachers and students were very grateful to get help from the fifth graders, too. It was a beautiful partnership to witness."
Along with giving students some extra math practice, Sheldon added that the partnership reinforced CHES' Cheetah community goals of having pride, acting responsibly, making wise choices, and showing respect.