This is a sponsored post
Gone are the days where math clubs were just for nerds. These days it’s cool for the youngest ages to develop interests in science, technology, engineering, and math by making connections to these subjects in ways that make sense to them. Crazy 8s is a new after-school math club designed just for preschool and elementary ages. With separate clubs for preschoolers and grades K-2 and 3-8, kids are engaged in hands-on activities that are just right for them and allow them to appreciate mathematical concepts in fun ways.
About Crazy 8s
Crazy 8s aims to show kids that math is fun and recreational, not required Each week 10-20 kids in Crazy 8s Clubs meet once a week and use the activities from the popular non-profit organization, Bedtime Math, whose mission is to get kids excited about math. Bedtime Math provides engaging activities as well as nearly all of the supplies needed to execute the club, including measuring tapes, timers, glow sticks, paint rollers and more.
Kids in grades K-2 and 3-5 meet each a week for eight weeks while the preschool Crazy 8s Clubs meet for 4 weeks. Every week Crazy 8ers build stuff, run and jump, make music, make a mess, and more while engaging in social, collaborative, creative, hands-on activities that align with the Common Core State Standards. What kid wouldn’t love a chance to have fun with friends over math?
Starting a Crazy 8s Club in Your Area
If Crazy 8s sounds like fun, it’s easy to get one started for free in your area! Nearly all materials needed are provided in the free kit thanks to Bedtime Math. Math gadgets like measuring tapes, protractors and dice for kids to keep are supplied but Crazy 8s coaches (aka any adult with an interest in math- you don’t need to be a math expert!) supplement with basic school supplies like markers, paper, tape, etc., which cost only about $10 per week for a large club. Don’t worry- Crazy 8s provides a checklist for coaches to get started
Coaches just need a minimum of 10 kids to start and a time and place to meet outside of regular school hours since the idea of math as play requires Crazy 8s clubs to take place outside the school day. There’s lots of flexibility in where and when you meet. Clubs can meet at school after dismissal, at a public library, a town rec center, or any public venue where kids go to have fun.
With over 1000 Crazy 8s clubs across the country, it’s a successful way to teach kids math in fun ways. Check out these testomonials!
If you’re interested in starting a Crazy 8s in your area, basic info and frequently asked questions serve as helpful resources. If you’re looking for a Crazy 8s club nearby, check with your local library! There are many Crazy 8s Clubs happening in libraries across the country, and there’s even a page dedicated to librarians interested in starting a club.
For more information on the nonprofit Bedtime Math, visit their website or follow them on Twitter or Pinterest.
I am a Crazy 8s Ambassador and was compensated for this post as part of my involvement. All opinions are my own.
Andrea says
This looks great! I will see if a mom can start one in my area. I cannot, but I would like to see it bloom. Maybe one at the library.