Partnering with Growing IQ to bring its acclaimed critical thinking math programs to families in the Menlo Park community
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These courses need to be registered via the Growing IQ website, but they are held in the Little Bookworm Chinese Library
Ages: 3.5 – 4.5
Math Music Motion
Thur 12:15 – 1:00 PM, 9/4 – 1/22
Math Music Motion is a hands-on, play-based program designed for children ages 3.5 to 4.5. It introduces foundational math concepts through music, movement, and guided exploration—helping young learners build confidence and curiosity while developing essential thinking skills. While the experience is fun and engaging, the learning is intentional. Children strengthen their logic, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving abilities—skills that give them a valuable head start before entering kindergarten. Rather than relying on rote memorization, our approach focuses on deep understanding and flexible thinking. The program also supports important habits such as focus, independence, and collaboration, setting children up for long-term success in both academic and social settings. Families often find that Math Music Motion helps their children become more prepared, capable, and eager to take on future learning challenges.
Ages: 4.5 – 6
Growing IQ Level 1
Thur 1:15 – 2:45 PM, 9/4 – 1/22
Level 1 is the entry point into the Growing IQ curriculum, typically designed for students in Pre-K through Kindergarten. At this foundational stage, students explore math through play-based and inquiry-driven activities that bring abstract concepts to life. The program places strong emphasis on logic development and spatial reasoning, encouraging students to manipulate, visualize, and problem-solve with purpose. While they begin to explore all six learning domains, Level 1 students are especially focused on justifying decisions, recognizing patterns, and building early strategies for thinking mathematically. Every activity is designed to encourage children to articulate their reasoning, compare expected and actual outcomes, and reflect on their learning—skills that are essential to developing a strong and flexible mathematical mindset. With a balance of structure and creativity, Level 1 lays the groundwork for lifelong confidence in problem-solving and higher-order thinking.
Ages: 3rd to 5th grade
Money Matters
Sat 2:30 – 4:00 PM, 9/6 – 1/24
Money Matters is an advanced, logic-driven program designed for students in Grades 3–5 who are ready to go beyond basic financial literacy and dive into the world of strategic thinking and entrepreneurial problem-solving. In this immersive experience, students take on the role of business owners, building mock companies and making key decisions related to capital investment, pricing, staffing, product development, and business strategy. What sets Money Matters apart is its emphasis on justification of thought. Students are not only asked to make decisions—they must explain why, analyze what they expected to happen, compare that with what occurred, and reflect on how their choices influenced the outcomes. This habit of comparing predicted versus actual results encourages metacognition and helps develop a mathematical mindset rooted in evidence-based reasoning. Throughout the program, students explore foundational mathematical concepts such as multiplication, division, unit rates, profit margins, and data interpretation—all within the context of real-world applications. They collaborate with peers, engage in negotiations, and practice game theory as they respond to changing scenarios and market dynamics. These experiences foster critical thinking, flexibility in problem-solving, and a deeper appreciation for how math supports decision-making in everyday life. By the end of the program, students leave not only with sharpened math skills, but also with increased confidence in analyzing complex problems, defending their logic, and thinking like future innovators and entrepreneurs.