The Math Playgroup
An After-School Enrichment Program for Children in Grades K-5
Join Alycia, a nationally recognized gifted and talented teacher, for an after-school single-age playgroup focused on mathematical reasoning, logic, and having a blast playing with math! Each playgroup session will focus on a relevant math topic that extends the NYC curriculum. Depending on the abilities and interests of the children in the play group, activities will either reinforce and support classroom learning or provide enrichment beyond the scope of the grade-level curriculum. The playgroup will predominantly focus on experiencing math through games and creative projects. In fact, every elementary math topic can be taught with research-based hands-on/minds-on strategy games that kids love! |
Components of a Math Playgroup Session
StorytimeWhy are we reading during math time? Stories provide a real-world context for math and are a stress-free way for children to connect with math content. Simply put, the warm and fuzzy feelings of being read aloud to become associated with math. Math picture books are great for every age.
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GamesNot all math games are created equally, so I carefully evaluate the games we play to make sure the children will develop strategies, think logically, and test their theories while playing. These are not rote skill and drill practice games. Midway through game play, the children will discuss their strategies to concretize their new mathematical discoveries.
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The TakeawayChildren will be excited to share the new games they learn and mathematical insights with the adults in their lives. At the end of each session, I briefly present some tips to families about exploring the week's math topic at home. Each child will bring home the materials to continue to play math games with family members or friends.
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