During the summer, most parents default to enrolling their child in a general summer camp or sports clinic, but what if there was an option for kids to explore an academic interest and build a competitive edge in the classroom? 

The Sylvan Learning Center of Richmond is introducing Math Edge — a new activity this summer for kids to build math skills and avoid summer learning loss.

Designed for kids in grades one through five, Math Edge helps nurture students’ natural math ability and builds on core math concepts in a fun, kid-friendly learning environment alongside other kids with similar interests. Well-trained teachers manage the small sessions of 12 students or less and offer encouragement, motivation and rewards in an effort to foster independent learning and encourage students to set personal goals. Math Edge is a unique learning experience that also allows students to build camaraderie with a small group of their peers. 

“There are few opportunities for young students to cultivate their passion for math outside of the classroom, particularly in the younger grades. With a growing demand for students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), it’s important to get them engaged now, our goal with Math Edge is to help foster a love of math when kids are young, helping to lay the foundation for a competitive edge in middle school and even beyond to a potential job in a STEM-related field.”

Steve Green, owner, Sylvan Learning Center of Richmond

Students interested in the Math Edge program need to take a qualifying assessment at the Richmond Sylvan Center to ensure that they are performing at grade level. The assessment will also provide students with an accurate starting point to begin the Math Edge program. From there, students will advance through the program track, which aligns to Common Core standards, in a low-stress setting at their own pace.

Math Edge will be offered in Richmond Sylvan Center at least three days a week initially during afternoon and evening hours. The program starts at $149 per month with two sessions per week and unlimited access to games and premium educational content through Sylvan’s online portal, mySylvan.

For more information on Richmond Sylvan’s Math Edge enrichment program, please contact Lisa Branner Stickley at 804-744-8002, email address sylvansouthside@gmail.com, or visit the Sylvan website.

This article is sponsored by Richmond Sylvan Learning Center

Children require structure and routine to feel safe, build character, and promote responsible behavior. Although the benefits of structure cannot be denied, is there such a thing as too much structure?  Should there be a limit on the number of extracurricular activities a child should participate in?

Children should be encouraged to try new activities and ideas.  Mastering a new activity creates self-confidence, and boost self-perception.  If this is true then structured activities should be a great idea.  When we over schedule children in structured activities we limit their autonomy in creating ideas, problem solving, and making decisions. We also reduce their ability to initiate tasks independently. These are critical skills that children will need as they become adults.   The right balance of free time and structured activities helps to promote executive functioning skills.  Executive functioning skills may include planning, organizing, and creating solutions to problems.

What can parents do?

Assess the balance.  Does your child have an adequate balance between structured activities and free time? Does this balance include academics, time spent with family and friends (outside of the structured activity), free and structured time?

Listen to your child.  Listen to the concerns your child may raise about things that are going well with the structured activity as well as any dislikes. It may be time to reassess the balance particularly if their interest has waned or other areas are falling behind.

Make room for down time or free time.  This is important in fostering creativity and may reduce the “I’m bored,” conversation over time. As the child has free time, he or she has to make decisions about how to spend that time. Hobbies and special interest may generate from this time.

Priscilla Wright is a licensed professional counselor practicing at Commonwealth Behavioral Health Inc. located in Midlothian, Virginia. Ms. Wright holds a master’s degree in Counselor Education and is currently completing a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Ms. Wright is also a National Certified Counselor. AtCommonwealth Behavioral Health Inc., Ms. Wright works with children, adolescents, and adults on issues to include stress management, co-parenting, as well as anxiety and mood disorders. Ms. Wright believes in a holistic (looking at the person as a whole) approach to practice. Ms. Wright’s research interest includes topics on intellectual disabilities, stress management, and topics regarding family systems.

Virginia Rep is offering a special six week Story Drama class designed for children 3 1/2 – 5 years old.
Children will have the opportunity to make their favorite stories come alive in a multi-sensory journey guided by professional artist-educators.

Each one hour class explores a different work of children’s literature and dives into the store through age appropriate, process-based creative drama.

And while the kids are taking a romp into the pages of their favorite story, bring your own book and enjoy complimentary coffee in the lobby.

Story Drama classes will be offered on Mondays for one hour in the mornings at 10:00 or afternoons at 1:00
Session 1: October 6-November 10
Session 2: November 17-December 22
Session 3: January 12-Febraury 16
Session 4: February 23-March 30
Session 5: April 13-May 18

Learn more and register here.