Dear Avenues Families,
When we think of math, many of us imagine lessons about speed, memorization, or finding the one right answer. But real growth happens when we stretch our thinking—when we make mistakes, talk through our ideas, and try multiple strategies. Learning math isn’t about reaching the answer quickly; it’s about how we get there.
Here’s a little challenge you can try with your child:
How would you solve 18 × 5?
Sure, one way is to say “I remember that’s 90.” But there are countless interesting ways to approach it:
- Break it down: (10 × 5) + (8 × 5) = 50 + 40 = 90
- Half and double: 18 × 5 = 9 × 10 = 90
- Imagine it as nickels: 18 nickels = 90 cents
- Or adjust: 20 × 5 = 100, then subtract 2 × 5 = 10 → 90
Each method shows different parts of mathematical thinking—patterns, decomposition, abstraction.
Jo Boaler and YouCubed explain how asking such questions and encouraging visual or multiple strategies activates different brain regions, strengthening number sense and flexible thinking.
Why does this matter? Because:
- Our brains grow when they’re challenged—like muscles, they need stretching, not just repetition.
- Mistakes become powerful learning opportunities when we reflect on them.
- And most importantly, we learn better when we talk about our thinking with others.
Boaler found that students who learn collaboratively—sharing ideas, questioning each other, and solving problems together—develop a deeper understanding than those who work alone. This is especially powerful for encouraging girls in math. In her interviews with students, Boaler discovered that many girls seek a deep understanding and want to know why a pattern works. They often thrive when they can explore the reasoning behind concepts, not just arrive at the correct answer.
So how can families support creativity in math?
- Ask, “How did you get that?” rather than just “Is it correct?”
- Encourage flexible thinking—not speed.
- Create math discussions at home about different ways to solve problems.
- Celebrate perseverance and struggle as signs of learning—not failure.
When math becomes a journey of exploration, discussion, and shared understanding, we build stronger brains, stronger connections—and a stronger love for learning.
Resources for families:
Mathematical Mindsets by Jo Boaler
YouCubed.org – visual tasks and resources that support multiple strategies
Which One Doesn’t Belong? – puzzles that spark creative reasoning across ages
Joseph Brown
Academic Excellence Coach, Mathematics
Avenues Shenzhen
Spoiler
October Event Calendar
ACC
The Family Life Cycle Series: Navigating Growth, Shifts & Identity
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Speaker: Wilson Wang
Venue: A12-300
Previous Sessions Recap
October 14 | Unlocking Bilingual Brilliance: How Children Thrive in Two Languages
Led by Mariana Soller and Mia Xu, this session invited parents to experience a bilingual poetry class firsthand, offering a glimpse into the process and cognitive transformation of bilingual learning. Through poetry appreciation, bilingual expression, andreflective activities, parents gained a deeper understanding that bilingual education is not only about developing language skills, but also about integrating thinking, culture, and emotion. Many parents shared that this immersive experience gave them a renewed appreciation for the depth and value of bilingual education.
You can view and save the PPT from this session for more details.
October 16 | Inside Avenues College Counseling: Our Approach, Your Partner
The College Counsellor Lu Yin and Cathy Gao gave Secondary Division parents a comprehensive introduction to Avenues’ college counseling program, covering application processes, timelines, and key strategies across different countries and regions. The speakers emphasized that fit matters more than ranking, encouraging parents to support their children in discovering their own paths through exploration. The session concluded with a vivid metaphor — students as captains, parents as the ballast, and counselors as navigators — illustrating the vital partnership between school and family in guiding each student’s journey of growth.
You can view and save the PPT from this session for more details.
Open.Scholar: Electrical Energy
Date: Friday, October 31
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Speaker: Prof. Wang Xilin
Venue: 5th Floor Common Area, A8 Secondary Division
Introduction:
This event offers an in-depth exploration of the electricity energy process—from production and transmission to application. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the key technologies driving the power sector and the emerging trends shaping its future. Additionally, we’ll touch on the latest advancements in electrical engineering, particularly how innovations in this field are being driven by the rapid growth of interdisciplinary research and artificial intelligence. Whether you’re interested in energy technology or eager to learn about the exciting potential of electrical engineering, please join us!
Avenues Spirit Week | October 27-31
We're excited to launch our annual Spirit Week, a tradition that builds community and strengthens connections amongst our community. While the themed dress-up days are fun, their purpose runs much deeper. Spirit Week is a dedicated time for fostering creativity, boosting morale, and strengthening our school identity. These shared experiences create a joyful and inclusive atmosphere where every student feels a sense of belonging, which is fundamental to a positive and supportive learning environment.
By participating together, we're not just wearing costumes or pajamas—we're building the spirit and camaraderie that make our Avenues community so unique.
Spirit Day Calendar
Monday Pajama Day
Tuesday Beach Day
Wednesday Character Day
Thursday Eagle Pride (Sports) Day
Friday Homeroom/Mentorship Theme Day
Divisional Updates
In addition to school-wide information sharing, each division also has important updates for your attention. Please click the link for the relevant division below to view the dedicated updates related to your child’s division.
Important Reminders
Health Reminder｜Chikungunya Prevention
Recently, Guangdong Province is in a high-incidence period of Chikungunya. To prevent the outbreak and spread of the disease on campus, the school has implemented the following measures:
- From October 7 to 12, we had the school buildings and surrounding areas disinfected daily by a pest control company, and this week we have switched to disinfection every other day; the cleaning team has been removing trash and stagnant water daily to prevent mosquito breeding.
- The indoor air conditioning and fresh air systems are kept running 24 hours a day to ensure the air remains fresh, dry, and free of mosquitoes.
- Mosquito-repelling plants have been added to the greenery around the campus.
- Mosquito repellent is available in the school clinic and at the school entrances for students and waiting parents.
- The school clinic is equipped with testing reagents and keeps track of students’ sick leave, promptly following up on those with suspected symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain.
Chikungunya is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. All students and parents are advised to take preventive measures, such as wearing long sleeves and pants during outdoor activities. If a student or a family member living in the same household develops suspected Chikungunya symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain, please seek medical attention immediately at a licensed medical institution. If confirmed, cooperate with treatment and the epidemiological investigation by the CDC, and report the case truthfully to the school health office as soon as possible. The school nurse will contact you and provide guidance related to disease control and returning to school.
Timely and accurate information is the basis for the school to implement effective preventive measures and protect the health of all students and staff. We hope everyone will raise awareness and actively participate in disease prevention efforts.
Contact the Health Office:
Early Learning Center：nurse-kd@avenueschina.cn
Primary Division：nurse-pd@avenueschina.cn
Secondary Division：nurse-sd@avenueschina.cn
Thank you for your attention and cooperation. Let’s work together to safeguard our children’s health.
Avenues Parent Association (APA)
Running Avenues | Blind Running Activity - First Experience
Introduction:
"You hold my hand, I guide you, step by step, so that more people can find strength through running." For the past ten years, Coach Song Haifeng has been actively participating in blind running events. From an individual effort to a collective movement, from a single marathon to a nationwide charity, blind running is expanding into more possibilities. In this event, we are honored to invite Coach Song Haifeng to share the stories and impact behind his involvement in blind running, and to lead everyone in a first-hand running experience. If you're interested in this warm and meaningful activity, whether you're our student, parent, or teacher, we warmly welcome you to join us in connecting a more compassionate world.
Date: Monday, October 20
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Schedule:
- 4:30-5:00 Coach Introduction (A12-300)
- 5:30-6:30 Let's Run! (Dasha River Park)
Parents Reading Club | "Tao Te Ching"
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Reader: Principal Chen Xianping
Location: A12-300
Registration：Scan the QR code on the poster below
Parent Salon for Lower Primary Families
Date: Monday, October 20
Time: 8:15–9:15 a.m.
Location: A12 Building, 1st Floor Café
The new school year has been underway for over a month, and children are gradually adjusting to the rhythm of primary school life. As parents accompany their children through this transition, many may also find themselves reflecting—
How can we help our children better adapt to the learning pace?
How can we nurture healthy study and daily habits?
And how can we work together with teachers to support our children’s growth?
As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We believe that sharing and mutual support among parents form an essential part of our children’s and community’s collective growth. To foster this spirit of connection, we are hosting a Parent Salon for Lower Primary Families, featuring parent representatives from upper grades as our “experienced voices.” They will share insights and practical advice based on their own journeys, offering valuable support to families navigating the early years of primary school. We hope this relaxed and engaging session will be a space where parents can listen, exchange ideas, and find inspiration—walking alongside one another as our children grow with confidence and joy.
To make sure the topics align closely with your interests and needs, we warmly invite you to take one minute to complete the short survey below and share what you’d most like to discuss.
We look forward to your participation! Let’s walk hand in hand and witness every step of our children’s growth together in this caring and supportive community.
