Free Program Helps Parents Understand, Have Fun with the New Math

Parents, are you having trouble helping your elementary or middle school student with math? Registration is now open for a free program at Lincoln Elementary School to bring together elementary students, parents, college students, and CWU faculty to engage in new methods for learning math.

Led by Central Washington University mathematics professors, the Math Circle begins on May 5, and will be held 6:30 to 7:30 every Tuesday evening through June 2. The program is designed for fourth- and fifth-graders and their parents. The Kittitas Valley Math Circle is part of a national movement that brings together faculty, students, and community members to have fun together doing math.

The Kittitas Valley Math Circle is special in that it will have two parts, one for elementary school students, and a separate session for their parents.

“I have colleagues at Central who have trouble understanding their children’s math homework.” said Dominic Klyve, CWU math professor, “It doesn’t look like the math they learned themselves.”

Students will have a blast playing games that will also help them understand math better.

Parents throughout Kittitas County and central Washington are encouraged to apply—“We’d love to see people from Yakima, if they’re willing to make the drive,” said Klyve.

The Math Circle will be taught by mathematics faculty Brandy Wiegers, Founding Director of the National Organization of Math Circles; Klyve; Janet Shiver;and Allyson Rogan-Klyve. Six undergraduate mathematics majors will also help with the program.

The class is limited to the first 30 students who apply. People may register for the program through May 5, at www.cwu.edu/math/math-circles.

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu
April 20, 2015