Multiplying Learning, Adding Fun: Yokota West Elementary’s Math and Literacy Nights Engage Students
YOKOTA, JAPAN – Yokota West Elementary School brought learning to life with two exciting curriculum nights this year, giving students and families the opportunity to engage in hands-on educational activities while having fun together. Math Night in CandyLand, held in January, and Super Reader Literacy Night, held in March, showcased the school’s commitment to interactive and engaging learning experiences.
In January, Yokota West transformed into a CandyLand-themed math wonderland, where students explored math concepts through sweet, interactive activities. Families navigated stations that turned traditional math lessons into engaging challenges centered around a candy theme. Throughout the night, students and their families worked together, reinforcing both math skills and the joy of learning. Some of the activities included milk chocolate measurement, peppermint place value, gumdrop geometry, and candy shop math. The event also featured a bounce house in the gym, adding an extra layer of fun to the evening.
In March, students and families returned for Super Reader Literacy Night, where literacy took center stage in a superhero-themed celebration. With activities designed to spark creativity and reinforce reading and writing skills, students became literacy superheroes for the night. Students, parents, and siblings participated in book charades, comic strip creation, super rhymes, blacklight sight word riddles, and a book walk sponsored by the YWES PTO that put new books in the hands of more than 50 students.
“It was fun,” said Bridger Shamburg, a third grade student. “I liked the scratch art superhero mask and the bouncy house obstacle course. I also liked the blacklight word find.”
Students and their families enjoyed quality time together while reinforcing essential reading and writing skills.
Both curriculum nights were organized by the Yokota West School Events Committee, with strong support from staff, the PTO, and community volunteers. YWES staff and students from the Yokota Middle School and Yokota High School National Junior Honor Society and JROTC generously gave their time to run the activities, and help the students practice their math and literacy skills.
The success of these events was evident in the laughter, excitement, and active participation of students and their families.
“My children had so much fun being able to go to all the stations and using math and literacy skills in fun real-life applications,” said Lisa Shamburg, school nurse and parent of three Yokota West students. “They enjoyed it so much, they didn’t realize they were working hard.”
Yokota West Elementary continues to demonstrate that learning doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom—it can be interactive, hands-on, and, most importantly, fun!
With Math Night and Literacy Night leaving lasting impressions, families at Yokota West are already looking forward to the next engaging learning event.
