Sunday, March 2, 2014

After School Math Club

Math Club has been attempted for a few different years, but I have not yet had success that matches book club success.  One year we focused on word problems, another year on fact practice and computation. Always trying to relate math to the student's real world.

Struggling math students really struggle.  They hate math.  The language can be confusing. Use of manipulative materials makes it somewhat better, but I am still searching for the holy grail on this one.  Similarities to book club are snacks (the main draw of any activity), invitation only to ensure compatible kids, parent commitment to after school pick-up and leaving the math club time free of schedule conflicts.

Everyone does their part—the kids show up, there are always snacks, parents show up to get their kids, fun hands-on activities are part of the deal.  The kids enjoy it, but the impact on their skills is not truly evident to me.

I am still trying on this one…..