Rock Creek Afterschool
Math Games is an enrichment program designed for current 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders from any school.
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!!!”
Math Games shows kids the fun, creative side of mathematical thinking and helps them build confidence in their math abilities.
The sign-up link is now live for our next program, which runs from April 23rd through June 11th on Wednesdays from 3:45 to 5:30 PM at Augustana Lutheran Church.
Math Games
The space at Augustana Lutheran—perfect for spreading out & moving around as we learn.
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. These probability concepts have clear real world applications, which helps kids 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 about them.
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Math Games is open to current 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders who are comfortable with basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
Sessions are capped at 12 students to get the best balance of small group interaction and individual attention.
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Each session starts with an icebreaker or other social activity and includes a snack break (bring your own snack!). During our “work periods,” kids alternate between playing fun new board games and puzzling through math and strategy questions about the different game elements.
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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.
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On Wednesdays, from April 23rd through June 11th, 2025
3:45 to 5:30 PM
If these dates & times don’t work for you, please fill out this form to let us know what times would work better.
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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!
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The total cost is $350 for eight sessions. We hope to see you there!
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By the end of the Rock Creek Afterschool Math Program, parents can expect their child to:
Build interest and confidence in math
Strengthen problem-solving skills
Improve math fluency
Develop strategic thinking
Have fun playing games with new friends!
Program Details
Meet Sarah and Jim, who are designing
and teaching this program!
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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.
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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 one Jane Street posts each month.
