FAQs

Can I use this in my classroom?

Yes. Math Club in a Bag programs are intended purpose is for coaching grade specific math clubs; However, the can be used with other grades and in other settings, such as in the classroom as long as it stays within the allowed usage. Specifically, Math Club in a Bag’s Limited License grants purchaser 1-year for personal, math club, or classroom use. Limited to no more than 45 total students attending one school, afterschool program, or community-based program site. Yearly renewal required for continued use. No copying of this manual in any format is allowed without prior express written permission. Email sales@MathClubinaBag.org for additional clarification or additional licensing options.

This program doesn’t cover everything in the grade standards and has a number of pieces are above the grade standards. Why?

This program is NOT intended to be a curriculum. It is an enrichment program. Our objectives are to expose kids to topics and ideas they will find interesting, increase their interest in math, and support those who participate in math contests. It supplements math curriculums.

How will I know when my mathletes are ready to participate in their first math contest?

They are already ready. For their first contest, focus on the experience. Tell them to get their name right, listen to the instructions, and do their best. The goal of the first (several) contest is to get comfortable with the format and wrap their heads around the questions. Experience is a key factor in developing into a strong mathlete.

One of my mathletes always gets As in class and is upset (s)he can't solve the problems in math club. Why the difference?

Math club is different from their school math class. Math class is generally about gaining specific skills that will be tested for mastery. The skills tend to be more computative in nature and solving the homework and test problems is formulaic.
Math club is focused on developing logic and problem-solving skills. In class, teachers are under a time crunch and aren't able to allow students to figure out a number of ideas on their own. Because math club isn't subject to a mastery test and isn't graded, having students sit with a problem is possible. For some students who have been unchallenged in the classroom until now, this can be uncomfortable. It is important to help them past this discomfort. Students who have had an easy time earning As through school, eventually encounter a class where they need to study and work but don't know how. Students can't learn how to think or study if they aren't given the opportunity to do so.

I've been asked to coach a math club. My math was average math in high school. Can I do this?

If you are comfortable multiplying 82 X 47 and willing to learn with the kids, you can do this!

Are there any materials to send home for kids to practice?

Yes. Take Home Reinforcement pages are available for download from your Math Club in a Bag account once you've subscribed. These are included in the registration cost.

Can we charge kids to participate in our math club? If yes, how much can we charge?

You may charge for your students to participate. The amount you charge is up to you. The amount you pay for Math Club in a Bag is a flat rate, regardless of what you charge. Things to consider when setting a price: will you be providing snacks? Will you include contest registration(s) in the cost? Will there be a team t-shirt included in the cost? It is much easier to set the participation fee once you know what your expenses will be.
The Math Club in a Bag program provides 18 hours of programming. A rate of $180 per student is recommended but you can charge less or more as it makes sense for your program and your community.

Can I use an electronic version on my device instead of using the binder during practices?

Yes. If you are able to access your MathClubinaBag.org account, you are able to access the meeting plans there.

I have more than ten kids in my club. Can I purchase additional materials?

Yes. Additional materials are available for purchase in sets of four. These can be ordered by emailing Sales@MathClubinaBag.org. Each set will include enough additional cards, game tokens, dice, handouts, N&E Books, and other materials referenced in the Meeting Plans, to cover up to four more mathletes in your club.

I have access to plenty of materials but need more N&E Books. Can I purchase additional copies?

Yes, contact Sales@MathClubinaBag.org with the number you need.

If we have more than 10 kids but don't want to order more N&E Books, do we have an option?

Yes. The N&E books have a lot of benefit added features that will be missed, such as the guided notetaking, space for annotating, eliminating loose papers, etc. However, the experience builder problems are available for download in the MathClubinaBag.org account after ordering.

Are the kids in my math club required to participate in contests for us to use this program?

No. We do not require it, but you may. Adults tend to be hesitant about having kids participate in math contest but if you frame it as an opportunity to gain more experience, see new interesting problems, and meet other kids who enjoy thinking, most kids enjoy them – especially when they have multiple rounds and can participate in person. Girls, in particular, tend to enjoy the social aspect of math contests that they don’t typically experience in the math classroom.

Math Club in a Bag FAQs