If your child is passionate about problem-solving and enjoys the challenge that math presents, the Math League Summer Challenge is worth your time and attention.

This is a competition designed to help your child push your child’s intellectual boundaries in an age-appropriate way, so that they can become more comfortable with that process early.

Even if your child isn’t yet eligible for the first level of the AMC (the AMC 8), the Math League offers categories from as low as 3rd grade, providing a chance for your child to gain valuable experience and explore the potential of future competitions.

Here’s a closer look at the Math League Summer Challenge and how your child can benefit.

What is the Math League?

The Math League is a well-respected organization with a history of nurturing appreciation for math and problem-solving skills among learners through the 12th-grade level.

It creates and hosts multiple contests during the academic year, all leading up to the International Summer Challenge, which draws over 30,000 students every year. I myself coached a team embedded in a local high school for five years (long ago). I can attest that the organization is well-run and the challenges are well-thought-through.

The next such event takes place this August. 

The Math League is one of very few organizations whose events for younger students focus on building problem-solving skills instead of merely speed and memory. This is the difference between recalling math facts and putting them to work creatively, which can be quite difficult to do no matter how facile your understanding of the underlying concepts.

The end result is improvement not only in math, but also in confidence and critical thinking skills. It’s a great chance to let your kids push themselves, especially if they’re not used to being challenged in those areas.

The 2024 International Summer Challenge

The 2024 International Summer Challenge welcomes students from Grade 3 up to Grade 12, offering a rare chance to hone key skills (and, let’s face it, also prevent backsliding) outside the schedule demands of the school year.

Some helpful details:

• Eligibility and registration: This contest is for individual students only, not teams from schools. Signing up is easy at the Math League website.
• Competition format: There are two types of contests for each grade:
  • A 60-minute test with 10 short-answer questions.
  • A 45-minute speed round with 60 questions
• Logistics: The event will take place online on August 18th, between 1 and 3 PM EST.
• Cost: It costs $66 to participate, regardless of your child’s grade level.
• Registration: You may register here. (If you’re in Asia, reach out directly to Math League Asia for information on how to sign up.)

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How can my child prepare?

Preparation is important, but it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Here are some key activities you can start right away:

1. Embrace (and model!) a growth mindset: This is not a challenge with a deadline; it’s an opportunity for learning and growth that can’t come soon enough! The journey is at least as important as the destination.
2. Strategic practice:
   1. Work through a few past Math League problems with your child, so that together you can experience that “difficult” can still be fun!
   2. Focus on the underlying concepts you each notice, rather than on researching formulas or procedures to memorize.
   3. Practice under timed conditions to simulate the actual contest environment, but do so playfully. The timer is part of the game, not a threat. 
3. Help scaffold their budding executive function skills: time management, organization, and focus all play a part here. Building these core skills here never stops paying off in their future.

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Are there shortcuts?

Yes. An experienced coach can give your child a more direct path to the skills, mindset, and results that the Summer Challenge aims to foster, helping your child grow in these important areas.

Wes Carroll Tutoring & Coaching (WCTC) helps create confident, self-directed learners. Our primary purpose is to help your child develop their potential, by internalizing the skills and habits necessary for long-term success. 

Our tutoring and coaching programs are designed for students who are ready to go beyond the fundamentals. We’ll help your child:

• Master the fundamentals: We will strengthen their grip on the math itself. These are especially important at the lowest grade levels.
• Develop problem-solving strategies: We’ll show them how to tackle problems strategically, think creatively, and devise innovative solutions instead of relying on countless drills.
• Sharpen their mental agility: With our help, your child will become more flexible and more precise, qualities whose power speaks for itself.
• Conquer test anxiety: Our methods and techniques reduce test anxiety. High flyers shine bright even when the pressure is on.

We prepare young students for their best performance in the competition, while gently but effectively laying the groundwork for future excellence in these and other areas.

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The Summer Challenge is a lovely opportunity for your child to test and hone their mathematical thinking. 

Get in touch with us now to learn more about these and other opportunities we offer to help your child fulfill more of their potential.