At some point, I have compiled a short list of reasons why I get a lot of satisfaction from teaching a math circle. I love:
- -the equality and feeling of mutual respect and attention that develops between me and math circle participants
- the democracy/lack of authority that shows us the “right answer”
- seeing the value alignment and deep intellectual friendship that develops among the participants
- sharing children’s excitement when they realize their own powers
- the feeling of freedom they develop when they get rid of their own mental blocks
- the intellectual stimulation of choosing the problems and personalizing and teaching them to a particular audience
- when children realize that they feel happy from doing a challenging job
- observing their self-discovery
- observing as children come up with amazing solutions and counter-intuitive discoveries
- getting a fresh view of the beauty and awesomeness of the world we observe and create – thus multiplying my own happiness