Who says test prep can't be fun? In Nicole Martorello's 8th-grade classroom at Chagrin Falls Middle School, linear equations met their match in an exciting game of Lucky Duck Pond. Students dove into learning with enthusiasm as they tackled rotating review slides filled with challenging math problems.
The innovative review session, designed by Nicole Martorello and Instructional Coach Matt Volk, transformed traditional test preparation into an engaging adventure. Each correct answer earned students a chance to select a rubber duck from the "pond," with prizes ranging from colorful lollipops to tasty LifeSavers and decorative stickers.
But the real magic happened during the problem-solving process. As students worked through equations, teachers moved throughout the classroom, providing one-on-one guidance and ensuring everyone grasped the concepts. The rotating slide format kept the pace lively and minds engaged.
"When students are having fun, they're more willing to take risks and tackle challenging problems," explains Volk. "The Lucky Duck Pond turned what could have been a stressful review session into a memorable learning experience."
Martorello adds, "The smiles on their faces were worth every minute of preparation. But more importantly, the students were actively participating and helping each other understand the material. That's what learning is all about!"
With the success of the Lucky Duck Pond review, it's clear that at Chagrin Falls Middle School, innovative teaching methods are making waves in mathematics education.
