Long division sounds fun?!?
Seriously, a parent asked if I’d tutor long division this summer… and while long division is one of the most fun things to teach tutoring over the summer is not good for anyone.
No kid wants to sit alone with a teacher on a beautiful summer day doing math.
But that’s not how I teach math. Give me a few days and a few kids and a few hours each day and I will make that a fun experience. Long division, especially is great for games and rhythm activities, but that only works with a group.
One-on-one is HARD. For the kid and teacher. There’s no one to practice with and finding ways to take a break, become a mission since I’m not nearly as much fun to play with as other kids.
Just waiting to hear when everyone is available and how many kids are interested, then we’ll set a date. Getting 8 kids of various abilities in grades 4-6 who are kinda keen to improve some math without it being stressful would be ideal. We’ll start with reviewing basic multiplication… some kids may stick there for a while.
Webbsprout learning is about growth, not achieving arbitrary end goals or mastery in a week. More important than any skill is mindset and motivation. Math is often a challenge not because it’s hard but because people think it is. I want a week of fun math this summer.
Who wants to join me?
How does some time around the end of July, early August work for folx? I’d love to spread it out over 4 days, 3 hours a day, ideally with a day or two in the middle or between.
Ideally not consecutive days, that way they have time to practice & process - it’s not homework, but I will send them home with songs to help skip-count or remember fact families, finding examples in their lives of ways math could be relevant, stuff like that. Not worksheets, but we could also include some digital practice games if kids really want productive screen time.
I know the schedule can be tricky, especially getting a start & end tone that works for a group. And of course finding a few more kids to make a fun group. But I’m starting to direct more families to this forum and I hope a bit more activity encourages others to post their program requests & ideas so we can start making solid plans!
I’m excited to make math fun… Divide & Conquer is the name I’m considering 😊