Math and other summer stuff for kids

Summer is a respite from formal schooling, but it does not mean a total break from learning.  It is the time to try new things or reignite old passions.

As long as parents do not overload their children with structured classes, summer vacation can be productive, as well as fun.

Math for young children

Cecil Rosqueta writes:  I have a 3-year-old son, who is interested in learning.  I am weak in math and problem solving, and I forget even the simplest fractions.  I don’t want my son to be like me.  So my husband and I want to ask if there are special schools for math, so that our son won’t be scared of numbers when he grows up.  I also want to know where to buy math activity books for 3-year-olds.

My reply:  Congratulations for encouraging your son to learn!  I am happy that you want your son to like mathematics at an early age.  I am not sure if there are special schools for math—all preschools and learning centers teach some math—but since your son is very young, it would be best for him to do hands-on, concrete activities that make math fun and interesting, such as this workshop:

Galileo Enrichment Learning Program’s eight-day Math Art workshop for kids 3 to 12 years old integrates math concepts and art expression.  The workshop aims to nurture children’s love for learning math and to bring out their artistic talents.  Children create chimes (balance and weight), do paper folding and collage making (three-dimensional figures), string various beads to create lanyards (patterns), construct decorative magnets (shapes and polygons), mix colors (arithmetic) and design a glittered frame (symmetry).

Fee is P4,800 for eight sessions or P680 per session. Call 8981234 or e-mail [email protected].  (Full disclosure:  I am conducting a Singapore math workshop on Galileo’s invitation this Thursday.  See next section.)

As for math activities, check out Scholastic’s various books for kids.  Bright and colorful, the books of puzzles, mazes, riddles and so on make math not only accessible but fun.  Through the years, I have reviewed their books, and have tried out several of them with my son.  Ask Scholastic which books I particularly recommend.  Contact Scholastic Book Fairs manager Ellinor Ferriol at 6313587, or call the Scholastic distribution center at 9001537 or 6284487.

Parents also need to reinforce math learning at home.  I have written about math activities for toddlers and preschoolers before.  Get a copy of my book “Why Is Math So Hard?” (Anvil Publishing) at National Bookstore.  I am honored to say I am currently Author of the Month at Powerbooks, so their branches should carry my math and education books, including this one.

Singapore math

Many readers ask about seminars I personally conduct.  I generally do not publicize my own workshops because they are for private groups, like parents, students or teachers of a particular school, or employees of a certain corporation.

But this summer, I have agreed to conduct workshops—on Singapore math, fun math, parenting, motivation, science and so forth, which may be open to the general public.  I will update readers as the summer progresses.  This week, I will be doing a workshop on Singapore math.

Upon the invitation of Galileo Center, with National Bookstore, my son Scott and I will conduct a workshop on “Unlocking the Secrets of Singapore Math” on April 14, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at National Bestsellers, on the fourth floor of Robinson’s Galleria.  We have already conducted this workshop twice before, but due to popular demand, we are doing another round for parents, teachers and students.

From basic to advanced topics in primary grade math (Grades I to III), the workshop aims to expose participants to problem solving using the model approach.  Participants tackle word problems that involve whole numbers and the four arithmetic operations.

Parents are the best teachers of their children, so we encourage parents to attend the session with their kids.  At the end of the workshop, we hope that everyone will realize the usefulness of Singapore math, and that, under proper guidance, it is not intimidating at all.

The cost of the workshop is P980 for one person, or P1500 for a parent and his/her child.  Participants will get a loot bag that includes one of my math or education books.

Slots are limited.  Call 2165936 or 8981234 or e-mail Meg Fuentes at [email protected].  Download the registration form at www.galileoenrichment.com and fax to 8902509.

Museo Pambata

Museo Pambata is chockfull of activities for children this summer, with drawing and painting, theater arts, creative writing sessions.  Every Saturday morning, children listen as Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines enact well-loved children’s tales.

This Friday, children will join Earth Day activities and get pointers on taking care of the environment.  The following day, they will learn about different dances from all over the country, and get a chance to dance with the Philippine National Folk Dance Co.

On selected Sundays, children do science experiments with museum guides.

This week, children can view an exhibit of Lenten images from Calle Regidor of Binangonan, Rizal.  Visit Museo Pambata on Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila. Museum hours  are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission fee is P100 for children and adults, with discounts for group tours.

Manila residents with valid IDs can enter free on Tuesdays and get a 50-percent discount on other days.

For more information, call 5231797 and 5360595 or e-mail [email protected].

Nihongo

The Japanese Studies Program at Ateneo de Manila University is offering a 20-hour course on “Nihongo for Young People” April 12-May 7, 8-10 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

Open to students aged 12-18 years, the class aims to promote understanding of Japan through its language.  Ideal for beginners, the course focuses on basic communication skills, like speaking, listening and writing basic characters (Hiragana) for everyday use.

Fee is P3,000.  A certificate, signed by instructor Rodolfo Narciso, is given at the end of the course.  Visit the Japanese Studies Program at the second floor of Ricardo and Dr. Rosita Leong Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.  Call 4266001 local 5248 or 4264326 or e-mail [email protected].

E-mail the author at [email protected].