Mathcounts

We just got done our yearly MathCounts competition.  I was very proud of the kids.  They gave it their all for the few weeks we prepared for it.  One of the side effects of teaching all of the subjects is that I'm stretched in many directions.  This year, I'm doing some pretty involved projects...I directed the school play, am working with the students to participate in Model United Nations, will coach the kids through the Scholastic Book Bowl, am participating in the Map Your World project...and MathCounts.

There are schools near us with thousands of kids to recruit their team.  They work all year, every week, to build their problem solving skills.  We, on the other hand, are light-weights.  We enjoy working together, but our competitive streak runs thin.  (Well, maybe mine does...this year, after the competition, the kids told me they want to start earlier next year, and really put their all into it.)  I'm excited for them, and willing to facilitate a more involved team next year.  I figure we can set things up earlier.  Maybe they'll enjoy a course through Art of Problem Solving.  (The website has tons of mini problem solving videos.)

If you want to add a little fun to your class, start a MathCounts club.  They give you a box of fun, engaging projects and lots of tips.  Best of all... the club membership and box of activities is FREE!!