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Artful Math

Uncommonly Creative Math for Girls

What Are Math Circles, And How Do I Set One Up?

August 23, 2019 By Kelli Pearson Leave a Comment

Math circles are vibrant, playful math groups that help girls fall in love with math through patterns and discovery, fun projects, hands-on explorations, and games. 

We believe girls connect with math the most when they are having fun and experiencing math in real-life contexts. Previous math circle girls have explored math with actual kittens (I'm a kitten foster mom), or by creating and selling chocolates from their own imaginary chocolate shop. (See our events page for more info.)

There are two ways to get involved in a math circle: by joining an existing circle in your area that is a match for your daughter's age, or by starting your own. 

The first step in joining or creating a math circle is to complete an interest application online. I collect information about your child's grade and your location, and add your name to the waiting list. 

I offer a limited number of math circles per semester to girls in grades 1-7 (no more than 2 grade levels per group). These meet for an hour and a half each week in parents' homes in the south bay area (San Jose to Redwood City).

Math circles can be held after school or during school hours for homeschoolers. 

how to join an existing math circle

Sometimes, I'll have an existing math circle that seems perfect for that child: same grade level, nearby location, a few extra spots available. 

When that happens, I consult first with the other parents and girls in the group to see if they are open to another group member. If so, I invite your child for a trial math circle. 

We take 1-2 math circles as a trial run to see if we're all a good fit for each other. There is no commitment to continue, but if we are a good fit, you pay a pro-rated amount for the remainder of the semester and we continue happily along. 

Sometimes it can be hard to find an existing perfect math circle in your area. When that's the case, you and I may be able to create a new math circle.

how to create a new math circle

Girls love to hang out with their friends, and math circles are no exception. Often the best math circles--and the ones that come together the fastest--are  made up of a group of friends who decide to do a circle together. 

To start a new math circle, we would need:

  1. A minimum of 6 girls of the same grade or similar math levels, who are able to meet at a specific time and place. (Online counts as a "place".) 
  2. A place to meet--usually hosted at the home of one of the parents. The location must be between San Jose and Redwood City, CA--or online. 
  3. Availability in Kelli's schedule for a new math circle

Setting up a math circle mainly consists of spreading the word to other interested parents, and finding one parent who can offer their home as a place to meet. 

other details

The cost is $55 per 1.5-hr math circle, payable by semester. We meet once per week. Semesters are generally 13-16 weeks long, depending on holidays and start date. 

Fall semester is September through January. Spring semester is February through May. 

Feel free to contact Kelli for more information about math circles, or click here to get on the waiting list. 

Related posts:

Fractal Patterns In Nature: How to Help Your Outdoorsy Girl Love Math
The Perimeter Game: a cool geometry game for kids
How to Play The Best Math Bingo Game EVER
Numbaroll Place Value Game (How to Read Big Numbers)
How to Make Math Fun with Games: A Quick & Simple Guide

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  • Caroline Diarte EdwardsCaroline Diarte Edwards

    She literally came out of today's session skipping with delight!

  • Stacey LowStacey Low

    My daughter's abilities have leaped forward! She has a richer, deeper understanding of math now. Kelli works magic!

  • Janelle ThompsonJanelle Thompson

    I can see with your teaching method that homeschooling her would be possible.  We didn’t butt heads once.  😀

  • Ephi LuEphi Lu

    Kelli is phenomenal. I was afraid that my girl would have a fear of math like I did. She is soaring with math now! She absolutely loves it and can’t wait to see Kelli each week.

  • Heather CarvillHeather Carvill

    My kids LOVED the math games. My 2nd grader kept saying, “Again! Let’s do it again! This is fun, Mommy!” They’re learning without even realizing it.

  • Kimberley CashinKimberley Cashin

    My child came home every day from math camp saying, “Mom, I LOVED it!” This from my sports-focused child, who was beyond thrilled at your “cool way of teaching”.

  • Marjel SheuerMarjel Sheuer

    Math circle has been AMAZING for my daughter. It’s made her more confident and excited about math. She's always telling us about the fun games & projects they do.

  • Stephanie Tuxen BisgaardStephanie Tuxen Bisgaard

    My children LOVE Kelli’s math camp! They came home so excited about the Fibonacci sequence that the rest of our family felt inspired too. 🙂


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