Math

Math Enrichment Program

Our Math Enrichment Program has been developed in classical traditions of systematic education and is based on the best principles of advanced math schools in Russia and USA. It has been adapted to the USA educational environment.
The cornerstone
of the program is the famous Russian teaching methodology. One of its important features is the early introduction of algebra. This idea is just beginning to gain recognition in the US. The proven result of this methodology is true understanding of every math concept by a student and his/her ability to independently apply logical reasoning to even unfamiliar types of complex multi-step problems.

Teaching Principles

1. Understanding vs. Memorization.
We
stimulate active learning and help our students to avoid the traditional math practice drills.

2. Stress Logic and Abstract Thinking.
We encourage higher-level thinking skills of students to make the easy transition from familiar concrete thinking to abstract thinking.

3.   Creative Problem Solving.  
W
e enhance students' interest and curiosity in mathematics by approaching problem solving creatively. We introduce them to the especially effective strategies and encourage them to apply their knowledge to challenge themselves beyond the regular classroom work.
Students often find it helpful to have at least a general framework within which they can organize their efforts. In our program we outline the
Five-Step Method as a guideline for successful problem solving. The students learn how to:

- Understand the problem
- Recognize given information
 -Plan how to solve the problem
- Carry out the plan
- Look back to prove the results

4. Practice Makes Perfect.
We require homework, since this is the only reliable way to memorize the material learned in class. There is no needless repetition, but there is consistent demand to use previously learned skills in new sets of problems
.

MOEMS Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools

We arrange preparatory classes for the MOEMS competitions. The Do-Re-Mi School Math team is qualified as an institutional team.
The highlights for students are the five monthly contests given from November to March. These contests provide an incentive for students to intensify their study of math. The number of contests reinforces learning to think mathematically. Our school's math team meets weekly for an hour. Students explore a topic or strategy in depth. They practice for the contests, using not-routine problems from  Mathematical Olympiads Contest Problems for Elementary and Middle Schools, Math Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 2 and other sources.