Numbers, formulas, geometry, calculations …the world can be explained and described through mathematical ways. Mathematics is an inspiring subject, full of revelations and beauty. It provides the students with a deep and elegant understanding of everything around them. For students to experience this fantastic journey, Maple Bear adopts the strategy of bringing math to life. Students can connect concepts, apply theories and assimilate them in a genuine way.

Math comprehension will have a great impact on their lives, besides realizing its presence in everything that happens around them. A good example is the Year 3 unit “Exchanges and Getting Change”. Through learning activities, Maple Bear teaches financial education to its students, making it possible for them to practice the concept of money and how it is used. When their homework is complete, the children earn a “salary” and could, individually or together in a group, make decisions on how to spend the money.

At Maple Bear Santos (located in the State of São Paulo seaside, in Brazil), for example, the students decided to exercise an important value: solidarity. The students collected funds and selected a retirement home, for which they bought several useful items. The group also gathered toys that were donated to the Associação Esculpir (Sculpt Association). “Our intent is to teach in an organic way so that the lessons we share have practical applications in the students’ lives.” states Cintia Sant’Anna, Maple Bear Latam Academic Director.

“The more practical these learning concepts are, the greater the chance they will crystalize into the minds of our students as best practices. This benefits the students and allows for a deeper understanding of the material,” she adds. Besides the subject of math, personal financial literacy is weaved throughout the life of a Maple Bear student, from early childhood to high school.

As a preschooler, playing store, buying, and selling goods is a common activity. And as an elementary-aged or high school student, planning, saving and budgeting are key personal finance skills. From an early age, we prepare our students with the tools needed to understand personal finance and develop their financial independence.