Rock Creek Afterschool

Math Games is an enrichment program designed for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.

We use card games, dice games, and board games to introduce kids to probability, reinforce core math concepts like fractions and percentages, and build logical reasoning skills.

Games make math fun! The first time we ran this program, we had kids asking us for MORE math worksheets, asking to come to Math Games every day of the week (even weekends), and dubbing our program “SUPER FUN!!!” and “AMAISING” (we’re not teaching spelling haha).

Math Games shows kids the fun, creative side of mathematical thinking and helps them build confidence in their math abilities.

Math Games

Math Games will be back in the fall, with two 8-week sessions!

  • Session 1: August 27 to October 15

  • Session 2: October 22 to December 17 (excluding the Wednesday before Thanksgiving)

  • Both programs take place on Wednesdays from 3:45 to 5:30 PM at Augustana Lutheran Church.

We are hoping to expand our programming in the fall. Please fill out this form if you want us to bring Math Games to your neighborhood!

Each session, kids play a new game and then work through math problems that reveal the underlying strategies of the game. In one of our past sessions, for example, we played Guess Who and problem-solved through this worksheet, in which the kids learn that there is an optimal Guess Who strategy (binary search) that guarantees you’ll figure out your opponent’s character in six moves or less.

Math Games introduces kids to advanced topics like binary search, Bayesian updating, and expected value in ways that are accessible and intuitive. Although we’re introducing some advanced topics, our program if a good fit for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who are confident with four function math, regardless of whether or not they consider themselves a math person. The probability concepts we’re teaching have clear, real-world applications, which helps kids build interest and buy into the importance of math.

Math Games is designed and taught by the founder and the math director of The Rock Creek School, who both love math, games, and teaching kids.

Program Details

  • Math Games is open to current 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who are confident with basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).

  • Each session starts with a warm-up puzzle and includes a snack break (bring your own snack!). During our “work periods,” kids alternate between playing fun new games and puzzling through math and strategy questions about different game elements.

  • Augustana Lutheran Church at 2100 New Hampshire Ave NW.

    If you’d like us to bring a program to your DC-area school community, fill out this form.

  • We currently meet on Wednesdays, from 3:45 to 5:30 PM.

    Looking to the fall, if these dates & times don’t work for you, please fill out this form to let us know what times would work better.

  • Your child will strengthen their problem-solving skills, explore mathematical concepts in fun and creative ways, gain confidence in approaching math, and build fluency with foundational math skills. And all of this is happening while your child is has a bunch of fun playing games with new friends!

  • The total cost of Math Games is $450 for 8 sessions. We hope to see you there!

  • By the end of the Rock Creek Afterschool Math Program, parents can expect their child to:

    1. Build interest and confidence in math

    2. Strengthen problem-solving skills

    3. Improve math fluency

    4. Develop strategic thinking

    5. Have fun playing games with friends!

Meet Sarah and Jim, who are designing

and teaching this program!

  • Sarah Dillard

    FOUNDER

    Sarah has been working in education for almost 20 years and always has the most fun when she gets to work directly with students. Most recently she was the founder of Kaleidoscope Education and previously she was on the policy team at the US Department of Education and the founding team at the National Math & Science Initiative. She is a graduate of the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School, and holds a BA in economics from Duke University. In her free time, Sarah likes to spend time outdoors, take on new learning projects, and read and play games with her two nieces aged four and six.

  • Jim Diamondidis

    MATH & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

    Jim has taught math to students at all levels—from kids who are struggling to advanced graduate students. He earned his BS in mathematics from Harvard College where he was a writer for The Crimson, a backpacking leader, and an actor in musical theater. In his free time, Jim enjoys pickleball, painting, and puzzles, especially the ones Jane Street posts each month.

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