Three second-grade students from Gurney Elementary School demonstrated their classroom's innovative "Grid Method" learning system at the February 19 Chagrin Falls Board of Education meeting. Students Clifton Fulmer, Paige Sheridan, and Eva Christie from Lisa Dugach and Sarah Ross's class explained how this unique approach helps them master language arts skills at their own pace.
The Grid Method features four progressive levels of difficulty, allowing students to choose their learning path while ensuring mastery of essential skills. Each level includes activities focused on trick words, spelling, sounds, and marking, with students tracking their progress using personalized avatars on the classroom's Clever Touch display.
"I liked this Grid because we didn't have to go across and do everything in each level. Everyone could pick what they wanted to work on," Clifton shared during the presentation. His classmate Paige added that she appreciated how "you get to pick your own thing to work on," while Eva highlighted her favorite activities, including "creating a game board, the word search, and the Be A Teacher activity."
The system incorporates creative elements such as student-designed board games, teacher role-playing activities, and digital learning tools, demonstrating how modern educational methods can engage young learners while building fundamental language skills.