FAMILIES have been having fun with sums as part of a shared education project delivered by two Co Tyrone primary schools.
Fivemiletown's project employed fun maths activities to bring children together in the classroom and foster collaboration between their parents in after school workshops.
The project involved Fivemiletown PS and St Mary's PS.
The initiative involved the use of teaching and learning resource Izak9, which is designed engage more children in maths and `stem' subjects by making sums enjoyable for all.
Fivemiletown PS teacher Mark Bloomfield said the longer term aim of the project was to bring people together to build strong communities "that are respectful of difference in all its forms".
He said Izak9 had proven an "excellent vehicle" in the shared education project.
"It is very engaging for children and very effective in stimulating conversation and developing thinking and problem-solving skills," he said.
"The family event was delivered in a very relaxed manner which put everyone at ease. It gave the children the opportunity to showcase their maths and communication skills to their parents. Parents also enjoyed sharing in their children's learning and also the social aspect of forming new friendships with other parents."
St Mary's teacher, Siofra Gallagher said the Izak9 parents' evening showcased all that was good about shared education.
"Through the various maths challenges that Izak9 posed, the children gradually came out of their comfort zone and were willing to take risks in their processing and decision making," she said.
"They freely explored, discussed and collaborated to find solutions and were all chomping at the bit to share their answers and methods in front of their peer groups."
