Enrichment Math Classes for Second and Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders

These classes are for second and third, and fourth and fifth graders who are already strong in their regular math curriculum and who are ready for greater challenge -- the classes are advanced, not remedial. The second and third grade class meets Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30, from April 11th to May 30th. The fourth and fifth grade class meets on Mondays 4:30 to 5:30 from April 9 to May 28. Both are hosted at the homes of parents in South Berkeley, and are open to students from all schools. An additional section of the second and third grade class meets at the Berkeley Arts Magnet School, 1645 Milvia Street, on Wendesdays from 2:45-3:45. This class is for BAM students only.

These are exciting and active classes. Students are assigned one to two hours of homework per week. They will compile a portfolio of their work, and, at the end of the eight weeks, Henri will discuss each child's progress with their parents. Cost for eight 1-hour sessions and half-hour conference, $150.


Mr. Ducharme: "Children, it's time for a four minute break."
Sweet-eyed student: "Mr. Ducharme, can I do math during break?"

Visit a Class

Prospective parents and children are always welcome to visit a class. If you would like to watch a class, please call or e-mail Henri beforehand at (510) 417-5736, henri@henriducharme.com for more details. The last classes meet on May 28th and May 30th, so be sure to arrange your visit soon.


"When [my son] got home to do his school homework after class he said: 'This is like doing kindergarten work after you've just done college prep.'"

Curriculum

The curriculum is problem-solving: we solve problems that will take a little pondering, a little sleeping on it, a little discussion, to fully solve. In spirit, this is mathematics the way the pros do it -- open-ended, elegant, and endlessly curious.

Click here to view a sample problem from the second and third grade class.

Click here to view a sample problem from the fourth and fifth grade class.


"I've read all the reports from Henri with great attention, and the quality of his math instruction leaves me speechless! How lucky [my granddaughter] is to have a teacher like him!"

Next Year's Schedule

New sessions of all classes will begin Fall 2007.

Second and Third Grade: Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30
Fourth and Fifth Grade: Mondays, 4:30-5:30
BAM Fourth and Fifth Grade: Mondays, 2:45-3:45

About Henri

Henri Ducharme studied mathematics at Oberlin College, has taught middle grade math in three elementary schools, and has taught numerous special classes and teacher training at all grades. He currently teaches after-school classes in MathGames, Chess, and Accordion at Malcolm X Elementary. Several Northern California Waldorf schools have hired him as a math teacher in residence. For several years he taught SAT and GRE math (and verbal) for the test prep company Kaplan.

If you cannot squeeze this current class in your child's schedule but are interested in future classes, please contact Henri to be put on the list.