Over my time as a math teacher, I’ve met hundreds of parents and teachers who all came to me with the same fundamental need: “I don’t feel good at math or confident enough to help my child (or students).” We rarely hear this from parents about literacy – everyone knows it starts with reading to your child – which speaks to the gap in our culture between literacy and numeracy.

Teaching Singapore Math and training teachers in it for years has deepened my understanding of how math works in ways I would never have believed possible. While previously I was just “good at” math, the subject now reveals its magic to me on a daily basis. I love the “ah-ha!” moments when a previously mystifying concept comes to light in a child’s – or adult’s – mind.

Reaching adults hasn’t always been easy, though. I’ve played with the idea of offering online courses, but I haven’t had the blocks of time to devote to setting this up, plus it seems impersonal to me. Professional development courses in schools are expensive and available only to teachers, while many parents long to be able to help their children, especially if they homeschool.

This led to the idea of offering local workshops. We are piloting one at Think on Hudson on May 18 from 2-5 PM. It will be limited to 20 participants, and Garry, the CEO, will be offering free child care and perhaps classes for the children. I am keeping the cost minimal so everyone who wants to can attend.

May is a very busy time, and not everyone will get to attend. Therefore, assuming it goes well, I am planning to offer access to the video of the workshop and the booklet at a discounted price afterwards. If there is enough interest, I may even offer it live via Google Hangout.

Please register here if you are interested. You can also see the Facebook event here. We would love for you to come!