weekly
Critical Thinking Builder: Math Problem Solving & Puzzles
Completed by 99 learners
Ages 12-15
Live Group Class
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(114 reviews)
Live video meetings
1x per week
1-5 learners per class
45 min
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 9
**This class is now available exlusively for 1:1 learning! It's completely paced to meet your learner's needs.** Click here to find out more: https://outschool.com/classes/11-critical-thinking-builder-math-problem-solving-puzzles-npHTjaMd?refuid=83g7UbAV Does your learner need to develop confidence in math? Critical Thinking Builder does that while also developing important thinking skills including observation, analysis, inference, communication, perseverance, reasoning, and problem solving. Even if they've had a difficult time in their math classes, students can be successful in algebra and geometry courses. In each session, we’ll solve a variety of puzzle type activities, brain teasers, and math challenges...all while developing a positive growth mindset. I will call on students randomly so that they can contribute to the class. (They may suggest a solution or share something that they have noticed or are wondering about within the puzzle. They don't have to know the answer.) Students will be given “thinking time” before discussion begins, and I’ll provide hints on some of the puzzles after some thinking time has passed. Emphasis is not placed on solving problems quickly; rather, emphasis is placed on the process of problem solving and communicating thought processes clearly. My goal is to encourage students that critical thinking is highly dependent on the tenacity and perseverance they put into solving problems. Reviews for Critical Thinking Builder: Mrs. Kennedy is such a patient and calm professor. Our Daughter has struggled with feeling rushed & timed in many other math classes. Even if the other classes have professed to teach in a gaming forum, the games are usually competitive or rushed. However, Mrs. Kennedy teaches math with brain teasers, puzzles, problem solving and games in a non competitive and rewarding way. Thank for helping to show & teach our Daughter that math and learning does not need to be a race, and can even be fun :) -Tracey My daughter loves these classes! She has requested more classes of Mrs. Kennedy’s. Learning made fun🤩 -Mikell I’m a high school math teacher who loves working with students who think they’re bad at math. Questions? Message me anytime.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their critical thinking skills (including observation, analysis, inference, communication, reasoning, perseverance, and problem solving) by building awareness of these concepts.
Students will develop a positive growth mindset about their learning.Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please note: Christmas, Halloween, and other widely celebrated holiday icons may be seen since the puzzles will occasionally have a holiday/seasonal theme. This is not an endorsement of any holiday, but used as recognizable cultural symbols in order to personalize that day’s class for the time of year. Discussion of holidays, religious or otherwise, is not a part of the lesson plan. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Supply List
Students should have paper, pen/pencil, and a basic calculator.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Used with permission, Mash-Up Math materials will compose many of the activities for this course.
Meet the teacher
Joined December, 2020
5.0
114reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Mathematics
Is your learner failing math?
Does your teen say things like…
I can’t do math!
I’ll never get this.
I’m going to fail this math class!
I’m so dumb.
Well, you’re in the right place.
HI! I’m Mary Kennedy, certified math teacher, and I love working with students who struggle with high school math and doubt that they can do it.
I've taught Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and have more than 20 years of teaching experience. My Master's degree is in Learning Disabilities.
In my classes, students connect their learning to critical thinking skills (includes reasoning, analysis, and perseverance) and growth mindset (“I haven’t learned this YET.”).
I strive to make the math concepts accessible to struggling learners.
Help your teen regain confidence and learn the skills they need to pass Algebra.
Don’t let math continue to disrupt your family’s life.
About Mrs. K.
I do life in a tiny tourist town with my husband and three kids (when they're home from college).
Twice, my family has had the unique and wonderful experience of hosting students from Southeast Asia in our home and community. We have maintained friendships with these students and their families for several years now through technology, despite our geographic distance.
I love working with students from every country and encourage their language skills in my math classes.Reviews
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