Berkeley Math Circle (for 1st Grade Boy - on the energetic side)
We just enrolled our math-inclined first grader into the Berkeley Math Circle, starting early 2020. I have heard wonderful things about the math enrichment opportunity it provides in general. Specifically though, I am a little concerned about the lecture format that I've read about for our 6-year old. Is there a sense that this program, specifically for first-graders for the hour session, would work for a kid who is motivated and curious about mathematics but who is young and sometimes has a hard time sitting still? Is this only lecture-based or do they provide interaction and manipulative opportunities during the session at this age? If you have a youngster in this group, have they enjoyed or not? Why? Why not? Thank you -
Dec 3, 2019
Parent Replies
Hi,
Our math-inclined but energetic boy, now in 3rd grade, started at the Berkeley Math Circle as a 2nd grader. The format did not suit him. It was too difficult for him to sit still for so long and the teachers, while brilliant, require that the kids be mature to sit still for the full hour. After four sessions, we dropped out. I think this program is best suited for older students or for younger students who have remarkable self-regulation. My son felt like he was being punished because he needed to move around and doodle to stay focused. It was not a great fit for him (although he still loves math, thankfully!). Hope this is helpful!
We’ve done several years of BMC. It’s a great program with dedicated smart staff. The hour long session is completely lecture based with a few questions asked by the teacher for interaction and kids expected to sit quietly, not talk and take notes to be able to complete the weeks take home homework. I hope this helps
Our 2nd grade boy can be quite energetic but he loves math so is extremely engaged during the BMC lectures and has no problem sitting still through them. This same child can’t make it through a 30 min swimming lesson without being reminded to pay attention. I think it just depends on the child’s level of interest in the topic and his or her ability to focus. If your child is unable to sit still and focus for an hour on anything (for example legos), BMC is not likely to be a good fit. I recommend Firecracker Math for a less rigorous but more hands-on engaging experience that is better suited to the math curious but distracted kid.
We were in your shoes eight years ago, and BMC was not a great fit for our kid, for all the reasons you name. However, we found an *excellent* substitute for our math kid— FIrecracker math classes. They are small (in our experience, 4-10 kids in various classes over the years), interactive, collaborate, and the skilled teacher was able to consistently challenge our son by extending and individualizing the group lesson when he needed it something more advanced. Most of all, they’re fun! I can’t recommend them highly enough. They work with kids’ natural energy and curiosity, rather than trying to suppress it.