Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by “Lucky Child” and “Math Mentor?”

The Summer Math Booklets are designed to be done by a student, the “Lucky Child” and a “Math Mentor,” someone willing to set aside one hour a week to spend with the child. The intention is to give the student an intrinsic positive association with math. Throughout the summer the Lucky Child will get a summer-math pen pal, play with sidewalk chalk, visit a library, make playdough, pray the rosary, run a lemonade stand, visit a Catholic church, go to the park, play with water balloons, and play board games with their Math Mentor. Children who are given this experience are truly lucky. The adult giving the child this experience is truly a math mentor.

Which booklet should I purchase for my child?

Choose the year your child is entering next fall. If your child is finishing kindergarten, choose “Rising 1st First Grader.” If your child is finishing 6th grade, choose “Rising 7th Grader.” The booklets are designed to cover material presented during the past school year (based on standards in Nebraska) and help the student retain those skills in preparation for school in the fall.

What booklet should I order if my student is performing below grade level?

Choose the year your child is entering next fall and thoughtfully use your booklet based on your child’s ability. Modify activities to ensure success. For instance, activities that require fluency with math facts can easily be modified by asking math facts the student has mastered and is trying to master. Because the activities are designed to be done with a Math Mentor, the student should feel supported and guided. Finally, the activities are based on summer themes with a focus on fun, connecting a positive association with doing math and having fun.

What booklet should I order if my student is performing above grade level?

Choose the year your child is entering next fall and thoughtfully use your booklet based on your child’s ability. Modify activities to be more challenging. For instance, activities that require fluency with math facts can easily be modified by asking math facts beyond expected mastery for their grade level. Activities are often open-ended, allowing flexibility. For instance, encourage the student to write more difficult math questions with their summer math pen pal. Choose a difficult themed math book when visiting the library.

How does shipping work?

We ship out of Lincoln, Nebraska. We will begin shipping orders March 30, 2021. After March 30, expect your booklet within 4-5 days of placing your order. 

Are answers included?

Because the nature of the activities in the Summer Math Booklets require physical activity and working alongside a Math Mentor, there are no set answer keys. Children will be making playdough and exploring fractions, reading math-related literature and journaling about what they learned, writing letters to a summer math pen pal that include questions they compose and answering questions asked by the pen pal, doing math with sidewalk chalk on their driveway, etc.