Hi Reader,

I started my 3-year-old in swimming lessons this summer, and I’ve learned two important things from this experience:

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​First, learning doesn’t always go as planned!

Last week, she ended up in tears and out of the pool about halfway through the lesson. Despite our efforts (mine and her teacher’s), she wouldn’t get back in. Frankly, I don’t blame her, but it was still frustrating to watch.

Almost a week later, she’s back to wanting to go and eager to swim again. Maybe this is the reminder we all need that a change of scenery, an emotional moment, and a little bit of time can get things back up and running.

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​Second, not all tests and evaluations are created equal!

I’ve loved learning how they evaluate the skills kids need to move to the next level of swim lessons.

Here’s what it looks like:

1. The skills they teach the kids are necessary building blocks for learning to swim (no fluff or extras)
2. The swim teachers do not do the assessing (deck supervisors do the assessing)
3. There is no time limit on how long a child has to learn a certain skill (they just get to practice, and get feedback until they master it)

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In the math education world, some people have gotten obsessed with skills that don’t even matter, and the time limit we’ve imposed on our kids to master them is insane.

Does it really matter if your kid has learned to long multiply by age 8? Or could they still be successful in life if they mastered that skill at age 10? Yes, yes they absolutely could still be very successful in life!
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Question for you, Reader: Do you care that your kid can multiply 5,236 by 457 by hand? (there’s no right answer here!)
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You know what I think would be even better skills to have that your child can build from?

🧠 Breaking down big problems and creating smaller, more manageable pieces

🧠 Applying abstract knowledge (5,236 x 457) to real life (converting currencies)

🧠 Finding relationships between numbers so you can apply one process to another similar situation

🧠 Reasoning through and analyzing information

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But, assessing these skills is hard. And our education system isn’t set up for it.

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Whichever path you’re on (nailing long multiplication or strengthening critical thinking skills), WiseKinde is the place for you.
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We love long multiplication methods (check out my favorite way to do multiplication here) and we value learning critical thinking skills (especially around math!).

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Think of us as your encouraging, no-fluff swim teachers… but with math! Use the time this summer to maintain your kid’s past math skills, explore new skills, and build mathematical thinking that will actually help them become successful in life.

Oh, and if you’re worried about tests, don’t worry–all of us are former teachers so we know how to work with the system, even if we don’t think it’s always the right indicator of success.

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Get 10% off private online tutoring sessions when you buy our Unit Package of 4 sessions with the code SUMMERFUN

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For your younger kids, don’t miss these 45-minute sessions to use this summer to strengthen math confidence and skills.

45 Minute Sessions

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For your older kids, we recommend these 55-minute sessions to strengthen math confidence and skills.

55 MInute Sessions

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To swimming at your own pace,

Heidi

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Hi, I'm Heidi! 18 years in the education world taught me it's time to do math differently. I'm here to help you shake math up; everyone can do math with confidence! When I'm not doing math, I love doing anything outside, traveling, puzzling, gardening, and cooking. Spending time with my pack-my 2 kids and partner- fills my cup with joy, too!