March 5, 2009 - Southgate Elementary students discovered recently that learning math can be fun.

Southgate students participated in Arithmetickles, a one-of-a-kind, interactive, math show and school assembly that involves students in the learning process. Students often have difficulty understanding how the math they learn in school can be useful in their daily lives, so they may view math as irrelevant, too difficult or just plain boring. Arithmetickles shatters this notion with fun-filled math games that give students examples of how to use textbook math in everyday situations.

Through a skillful blend of audience participation, comedy, mime and theatrical effects, the fast-paced math games and skits in Arithmetickles school assemblies capture the attention of children in grades K-8. Age-appropriate material is set in a "kid-friendly" math show format of games, puzzles, scenarios and storytelling, all of which give students a chance to explore math problems and develop creative solutions. By using elements of highly creative children's theater, and encouraging students to succeed on stage in front of their peers, Arithmetickles also helps increase overall confidence and self-esteem and demonstrates how cool math can be.

Original, thought-provoking and always spontaneous, Arithmetickles is designed to help students realize that math is nothing to be afraid of and that learning math can be fun!