From math-intimidated to math-determined, this is Raia’s Curious Cardinals journey (so far).
8-year-old Raia embarked on a six-month marine biology passion project studying the evolution of megalodons, dolphins, invertebrates, and all kinds of undersea creatures. With the help of her mentor, she created brochures and reports based on their research, using charts to compare and contrast creature features. The project helped Raia develop analytical skills while exploring a topic she found engaging and exciting.
Around the same time, Raia began a long-lasting mentorship with Diya to help her become a critical thinker and nail down fundamental math skills that would aid Raia in solving problems more fluidly in the future. The pair also explored angles, symmetry, and perimeter, which uncovered Raia’s keen mind for geometry. Diya helped Raia with her homework, too -- especially problem topics like word problems and time.
A true learning partner, Diya even collaborated with Raia’s teacher to identify areas of improvement, and used tools like art and bar models to solidify key concepts. Diya supported Raia through her academic journey, especially as she adjusted to a cross-country move, new school and curriculum.
While extremely bright, Raia would frequently become discouraged by complicated math, with mom Benis sharing she felt that Raia struggled with focus and needed 1:1 support. In Fall 2023, Raia began working with a perfect-match mentor, Keza L., who is also Black and Jewish! The pair tackled her Russian math homework, covering GCF, proportions, factorization, algebra, and more. Raia improved her problem-solving skills, needing less guidance over time. Raia also learned to identify angles in shapes and worked with 3D shapes, length, and volume. Keza’s supportive approach, using real-life examples and providing scaffolding, helped Raia build confidence and independence in solving math problems. A short time later, Raia was diagnosed with ADHD, allowing for additional support to help her focus and thrive.
Raia and Keza continue working on her Russian math and school homework, taking on concepts like absolute bars, conversions, and estimated quotients. Keza uncovers Raia’s strength in spatial reasoning and expands on her mind for geometry. Through practice and Keza’s confidence-building approach, Raia demonstrates perseverance and strong effort in grasping challenging mathematical concepts.
For the first time ever, math is FUN!
“Even when faced with difficult problems, she sticks with it until she understands the solution. When she makes an error, Raia is open to feedback and incorporates it right away to improve her approach.” - Keza L.
Raia will continue to strengthen her problem-solving skills and will soon dive into more complex geometry with Keza, drawing on Raia’s strength in spatial reasoning.
Raia has become more determined, resilient, and confident. What was once a boring, uninspiring subject area for Raia has become a cultivator of her personal and academic confidence with the help of her Curious Cardinals mentor.
And she’s just getting started! Watch this space to see where Raia grows from here.
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