Math camp adds up to more than number crunching

There’s more sunshine, more work time and more snack times.

That suits future seventh-grade students Veronica Colhour and Devin Woods just fine. Extra attention to their math problems doesn’t hurt either. 

“I had problems doing my math and getting more done and staying focused,” Colhour said. “Summer school has helped a lot.”

A dozen kids use math summer camp at Pound Middle School, 4740 S. 45th St. to catch up and fine-tune their math skills.

On a recent warm day, they found shade outside to step off integers, adding negatives (walking left) and subtracting positives (also left) and so forth. They count off the numbers, do many examples, write out the problems on the sidewalk with chalk then head back to slightly cooler rooms for more practice.

“I plan more hands on types of activities, easier to do with small groups,” said teacher Brad Siedel. “We are in the computer lab much more because that's part of the program. (We) take more time to get to know each other in the short time frame.”

There are also more frequent tests, with three pre-tests and three post-tests in the 15-day camp.

The smaller class-size and longer teaching periods help everyone get more done, at their own pace, with more teacher attention.

“I think my mom wanted me to learn math, and I said I think I would too,” Woods said half-jokingly. About his math skills he said, “Sometimes I get too much in my head.”

Siedel also noted student tend to open up more about what else is going on in their lives, a sign they are more comfortable.

“Due to class size, I get to know the kids much quicker,” he said. “There is way, way more one-on-one time, much easier to get around to everyone and check for understanding.”

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Published: June 22, 2012
Updated: July 6, 2012