Learning about fractions has never been so tasty. In Ms. Erin Wingrove’s and Mr. Sterling Zuboff’s fourth-grade class, math lessons turned into a cultural feast as students explored fractions through food.
To help students grasp this important concept, they were challenged to double, triple, or halve the ingredients of a recipe. But the lesson didn’t stop there—each student had to choose a dish that held special meaning in their culture, making the experience even more personal and exciting.
Parents joined in the fun, presenting alongside their children to share why their chosen meal was special to their family. Many families even brought in their delicious dishes for the entire class to enjoy.
One of our families introduced the class to tóshchíín (blue corn mush), explaining how they use g’ad bit’eezh (juniper ash) to give it a signature blue color and how it plays an important role in Diné culture and ceremonies. A student shared his love for homemade tortillas, a cherished tradition passed down from his grandmother. A classmate delighted everyone with a recipe for white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, a treat her family enjoys during Christmas.
From bizcochos (Mexican holiday cookies) and arroz con leche (rice pudding with cinnamon) to enchiladas and chili and salsa, our Latino families contributed mouthwatering favorites. One student proudly introduced the class to fufu, a popular West African dish made from pounded root vegetables and traditionally served with soup.
The classroom was filled with the warmth of shared traditions, as students asked questions and learned about their classmates’ backgrounds—from Chad to Texas, from Chicken Alfredo and waffles to frybread, cornbread, and peach cobbler.
Kudos to Ms. Wingrove’s and Mr. Zuboff for taking learning beyond the textbook, and combining math, culture, and community. A big thank you to our amazing parents and students for making this such a memorable experience.
Ms. Wingrove has been a valued member of the FMS family since 2018, previously teaching at McCormick Elementary and Farmington High School. Mr. Zuboff is completing his student teaching this year, and we are grateful for his contributions to our class.