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WORD PROBLEM WARRIORS: CRACK THE CASE WITH MATH (for students in grades 3-6)

Word problems can feel like tricky mysteries — but in this exciting Learning Lab session, your child will become a Word Problem Warrior! They'll learn how to break down word problems step by step, uncover hidden clues, and choose the right math operations to solve the case. We’ll share simple strategies, helpful visuals, and fun detective-themed tricks to build confidence and sharpen problem-solving skills. Perfect for students in Grades 3–6 who want to boost their math confidence and have fun doing it!

The Summer Confidence Gap: Why Self-Belief Drops When School Stops

Every summer, something quiet — but significant — happens to many kids.

Their confidence starts to dip.

You may not notice it at first. A little more hesitation when doing a math problem. A reluctance to pick up a book. Or maybe they start saying things like, “I’m just not good at this,” when only a few weeks ago, they were crushing it in class.

It's not just a mood swing—it's the Summer Confidence Gap.

But it’s not just about skill loss. It’s about how that loss affects their self-perception. When kids feel like they’ve forgotten what they once knew, it chips away at their belief in their own abilities.

And when kids lose confidence, they’re less likely to take on challenges.

They avoid difficult problems.

They don’t raise their hands.

And they enter the next school year feeling a step behind. Not just academically, but emotionally.

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3 Subtle Signs Your Child Might Be Losing Academic Self-Belief

Confidence doesn’t disappear overnight. It slowly unravels in small moments, often disguised as something else—boredom, laziness, or even defiance.

But underneath?

It’s often fear. Doubt. A quiet voice telling your child, “You used to be good at this… what happened?”

Here are three subtle signs that your child might be losing academic self-belief this summer—and what they may really be trying to tell you:

1. Avoidance Disguised as Disinterest
   Your child says, “I don’t feel like doing that worksheet,” but what they really mean is, “I’m afraid I won’t remember how.”

2. Shrinking Challenges
   They pick easier books. Simpler puzzles. They say, “This is fine,” instead of stretching for something harder, because safety feels better than struggle.

3. Negative Self-Talk
   Listen for “I’m not good at…” or “I used to be able to…” These aren’t just phrases—they’re belief shifts.

How to Keep Confidence Up Without Academic Overload

Summer should be restful…but confidence still needs fuel.

Here are 3 parent-approved ways to build belief without the burnout:

Mini Challenges with Big Wins
Pick one 10-minute challenge each day—crossword, brain teaser, 3 math problems.

The goal? End on success. Let kids feel that "I can do this!" moment daily.

Reflection Rituals
Once a week, ask: “What’s something you learned this week?” or “What’s something you tried that was hard, but you stuck with it?”

This rewires their brain to look for progress, not perfection.

Show Their Growth
Keep a summer “Proud Wall.” Tape up drawings, writing samples, and tricky problems they tackled. Let them see their growth, not just feel it.

Confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trusting their own ability to improve.

Motivation vs. Momentum

At the beginning of summer, everything feels possible. Your child might be excited about new books, summer goals, or even brushing up on math. There’s energy in the air—and plenty of motivation.

But by week 3 or 4, that initial spark? It tends to fizzle.

The excitement wears off. The novelty fades. And suddenly, everything feels harder to start.

That’s where momentum comes in.

The key isn’t to chase constant motivation—it’s to build routines and rituals that keep kids moving, even when they’re not feeling it.

Here are 2 simple ways to make momentum part of your family’s summer rhythm:

Visual Progress Trackers

Kids are visual by nature. They love watching things grow, fill up, or change color. Use that to your advantage!

Try:

• Sticker charts for daily reading or learning streaks

• Color-in habit trackers to build simple summer routines

• Goal maps with milestones that they can check off or decorate

These don’t have to be academic. Even seeing “Bike Ride” or “Tried Something New” logged in a tracker gives them a sense of ownership and accomplishment.

The Weekly Wins Ritual

Every Friday (or Sunday, or whatever day works), sit down and ask, “What are 3 things you did this week that you’re proud of?”

These can be:

• Academic (“I finished my math challenge!”)

• Social (“I helped my friend at camp.”)

• Personal (“I finally climbed that tree!”)

Write them down or say them out loud. Clap. Cheer. Smile.

When kids get in the habit of noticing their wins—big or small—it builds confidence and keeps the momentum alive.

We talk a lot about helping kids thrive, but parents need rest and comfort, too. Here’s a quick word from our friends at Quince.

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SHOP NOW

Last week, we asked: “Should kids be learning how to make money before they even learn algebra?”

Here’s how you voted:

• 🟩 Yes — real-world experience matters more than traditional academics (5 votes)

• 🟨 Maybe — but only with the right balance and support (4 votes)

• 🟩 No — childhood should be about learning and play, not profits (5 votes)

Parents are clearly split—some love the idea of early entrepreneurship, while others want to protect childhood as a time for growth, curiosity, and play.

Early money-making isn’t just about profits or numbers—it’s about helping kids build adaptability, self-awareness, and direction. Real-world experiences can spark passion and illuminate where a child’s unique talents lie, while also teaching important lessons in resilience and decision-making.

The takeaway? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But one thing’s clear: parents are thinking deeply about how to raise kids with confidence, purpose, and real-world readiness.

We’re asking parents like you to share their thoughts on topics that matter each week! Cast your vote and see what others think! We’ll chat more about the results next week. 👀

Keeping kids engaged in learning over the summer doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Here are three fun and effective tools to keep their brains active and their confidence high:

1. Khan Academy Kids
   A free, interactive app packed with games and lessons for young learners. It adapts to your child’s pace, making math, reading, and critical thinking skills enjoyable and stress-free.

2. Bookopolis
   A safe, social reading community where kids can explore recommended books, write reviews, and participate in reading challenges. It encourages kids to stay motivated with their summer reading goals and connect with peers who share a love for books.

3. Epic!
   An extensive digital library offering thousands of books and videos. Epic! encourages reading for pleasure with a variety of topics and levels, helping kids stay curious and build literacy.

And don’t forget Thinkster!

Our personalized math tutoring program is designed to keep learning on track all summer long, without overwhelming your child. Thinkster combines:

• AI-Driven Personalization: Our patented AI technology adapts to your child's learning style and pace for maximum progress.

• Performance Guarantee: We're so confident in our approach that we guarantee learning outcomes or your money back. Available in annual plans.

• Expert Human + AI Support: Get the best of both worlds with 24/7 AI tutoring plus scheduled 1:1 private human coaching sessions.

Plus, our new plans make it easier and more affordable than ever to customize the right level of support to match your child’s needs and your family’s schedule.

Want to learn more about how Thinkster can help your child this summer and boost their learning confidence?

Until Next Week…

Let’s make this summer the season your child grows not just in skills, but in self-belief.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.

Thanks for joining us in raising kind, capable, and confident humans. We’re so glad you’re here.

❤️ Loved this issue? Have thoughts, questions, or topic ideas?

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