Abstract Thinking in Math & English
In this innovative course, students learn, and practice the art of abstract thinking where they develop the ability to understand the larger context, and think about the big picture (the whole), and make generic inferences to solve a problem, moving away from their accustomed habit of rigidly focusing on the specifics, and getting stuck in details. We make use of the abstract concepts in math (patterns, algebraic thinking, geometry, and so on) and English (abstract nouns, figurative language, metaphors, idioms, summarizing and so on) to engage children in abstract thinking.
Session Info
- 55 minutes per class
- Twice per week for 4 weeks or Once per week for 8 weeks
- 8-11 year olds
- 3 - 10 learners per class
Price - USD
$49.99
$6.25 per class per student
This is an ongoing course offered in 8 class sessions. Each new session builds on the previous session for continuing students
Available Times
Batch 1
Mondays & Wednesdays
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM – IST
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM BST
06:30 PM – 07:15 PM SGT
06:30 AM – 07:15 PM EST
Batch 2
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:00 PM – 9:45 PM – IST
04:30 PM – 5:15 PM BST
11:30 PM – 12:15 AM SGT
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM EST
Batch 3
Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM – IST
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM BST
06:30 PM – 07:15 PM SGT
06:30 AM – 07:15 PM EST
Batch 4
Tuesdays & Thursdays
9:00 PM – 9:45 PM – IST
04:30 PM – 5:15 PM BST
11:30 PM – 12:15 AM SGT
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM EST
Batch 5
Fridays & Saturdays
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM – IST
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM BST
06:30 PM – 07:15 PM SGT
06:30 AM – 07:15 PM EST
Batch 6
Fridays & Saturdays
9:00 PM – 9:45 PM – IST
04:30 PM – 5:15 PM BST
11:30 PM – 12:15 AM SGT
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM EST
Course Details
Develop an understanding of the abstract as a generic structure/object with a set of attributes and how it is different from the concrete – a quantitative instance/an object with specific values for each object attribute
Enhance math problem solving skills, and concept understanding by engaging in algebraic thinking, and abstract problem solving methods
Advance figurative language and comprehension skills in English
Enhance analytical reasoning, and critical observation skills by solving a variety of pattern recognition, inference, and generalization exercises.
Develop and enhance big picture thinking – ability to engage, think, infer, and problem solve at system level/high level moving away from getting stuck in specific pieces & details
Foster positive interactions, brainstorming, and collaboration among peers
Engage children’s multiple intelligences and develop multifaceted thinking acumen by exposing them to a variety of abstract concepts and abstract problem solving methods.
Students engage in abstract thinking exercises in math and English alternatingly each week, while also engaging in generic abstract thinking exercises in this novel course.
We bring age & grade level appropriate math concepts like numeric operations, algebra, geometry, sequences, and patterns to engage students in abstract thinking exercises, where they are understanding object/operation properties, attributes, differences and similarities, and relationships between objects, and make system level inferences. Further they apply the abstract rules they come up with to solve concrete problems and validate their solutions.
We compliment the math specific abstract concept learning, by bringing abstract thinking to English language. Students play with many abstract language concepts like abstract nouns, analogies, metaphors, personification, idioms, summarizing and more.
We provide many opportunities for students to discuss, & collaborate with peers in this highly interactive and engaging class. Students engage in individual and group based hands-on activities, worksheet based exercises, & play abstract thinking games. We engage each child in activities that are appropriate to their age group, and skill level through differentiated learning exercises.
Children draw inspiration from each other, as they engage in collaborative problem solving, and validate each others’ ideas and solutions in our positive, fun and interactive classrooms. Most importantly, students learn and engage in big picture thinking and generalization, emerging as better problem solvers and thinkers.
Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced, subject matter experts, with exceptional ability to interact and engage young students online
55 minutes per class once or twice a week, and an estimated 30 minutes to 1 hour per week outside of class for home work
5-15 minutes daily practice homework. Homework is optional, students are encouraged to practice daily, post their work, and reach out to the instructor for clarifications.
Rough notebook or paper, pens/pencils, color pencils or crayons etc. Parents will be notified ahead of class when additional items are needed for a class activity
Reference material, and external resource information will be provided
Formative assessment based on student’s performance and participation in class activities, exercises, and quizzes, will be provided towards the end of the session.
FAQ
This is an interactive, instructor led small group online class that will be conducted on a zoom meeting. Students are given many opportunities to share, and interact with peers, and teachers in class. Each child is given individual attention when needed, to ensure that every child grasps the concepts, and participates actively in class.
Abstract thinking is very essential to understand new concepts and to apply their knowledge to solve new, and unfamiliar problems – promoting children’s success in school and beyond (competitive tests and success in higher grades)
The class caters to students with both advanced and emerging skills, the goal is to advance each child’s abilities with practice. We assess problem solving skills of each student, and progress them accordingly with engaging & differentiated learning exercises.
The activities and exercises during the first class are largely geared towards understanding children’s ability to generalize, and differentiate between concrete and abstract. Further, we engage in many interactive activities, to build rapport among students, and between each student & instructor. It is very essential for all students to attend the first class of each session.
Yes, parents will be provided with a post lesson summary of the concepts taught, and exercises practiced in each session, through email, WhatsApp & course reference page. Further parents will be notified in advance, when students need any other learning materials/supplies for class activities.
Our research suggest that children learn, and engage better when they learn together with a diverse group of older, younger, and same age peers. Having said that, in order to best serve the learning needs of each child, we differentiate the learning activities and exercises, and adapt & evolve our teaching methods continuously, based on children’s response & engagement in class.
Teacher is available to clarify students’ doubts or questions for an extra 10 minutes, towards the end of class. Further students, or parents on behalf of students, may reach out to us on course email (which will be provided to enrolled students), for questions/clarifications.
The Mindful Learning Space ardently believes in continuous learning & practice, to this extent we share relevant exercises, activities and resources for students to practice beyond class, and session.
Please refer to the overall cancellation policy on the main FAQ page. A make up class is offered in exceptional cases, when the instructor is unable to conduct a scheduled class.
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Related Resources
Check out these wonderful resources for more information:
How to Improve Abstract Thinking in Young Children
Abstract Thinking Exercises: 5 Strategies for Generating New Insights
Recognizing and Building Abstract Thinking in the Child with Visual Impairment