First Graders Build 'Hub City' at Hampton Primary School

First graders at Kimberly Hampton Primary School recently brought math lessons to life with "Hub City," a project-based learning activity that had students designing and building a miniature city.

The project filled a planned break between finishing addition and starting subtraction. Students teamed up in small groups with assigned roles like Architect, Mathematician, and Speaker/Supply Tech, giving each child a clear job.

Groups used worksheets to solve addition word problems and show their work. Those who completed the tasks correctly earned the chance to design and add buildings to a large shared city map, blending accurate math with creative ideas.

The activity was led by teachers Ms. Meg Frederick, Dr. Jeshara Shaw, and Dr. Donna Edmund. It built on the school's approach to shared responsibility for students, where each day starts with activities to build classroom community and positive character traits: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy.

Students also switch classrooms during the day for targeted phonics and extra help, creating consistent rules and teamwork across the grade.

Hub City tied into social studies lessons on neighborhoods and how communities work together. Daily check-ins let students talk about what worked well, fix any confusion, and highlight successes.

The project helped children develop key skills like teamwork, communication, creativity, and problem-solving while having fun creating something as a group.

By turning a short instructional gap into a meaningful activity, Hub City showed students they can solve problems and contribute to a team effort.

This aligns with the Department of Defense Education Activity's focus on engaging, rigorous learning that sparks creativity and enjoyment.