Connie and Isaac Scharaga just launched their first Crazy 8s clubs in December 2024, but they’re no strangers to making math fun for kids. They share more than 50 years of education experience and are currently changing students’ lives in Red Bluff, California. Connie leads the K-2 club while Isaac leads the grade 3-5 club. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we talked to this happily married couple about their newest adventure coaching Crazy 8s!
What inspired you to become a Crazy 8s coach?
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had with your club so far?
The most memorable moment we’ve experienced was after the first week of teaching math clubs when students came up to us to make sure we were meeting again the following week. They’re so excited to come – some have even asked if we could have math club every day!
What’s the funniest or most creative thing a student has said or done during a club activity?
Even though we baked brownies for both of our math clubs, the kids really thought we should have had real cakes for the Piece of Cake activity!
What’s your favorite Crazy 8s activity? Is it the same for the kids?
Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry! When we surveyed the kids, there wasn’t one activity they liked more than the other.
How have you seen your students grow or change through Crazy 8s?
We have seen our students’ engagement and enthusiasm for math grow exponentially since the start of math club. We also see more students talking about their thinking and communicating their thought processes to the small groups they work in during math club time.
If you could describe Crazy 8s in one word, what would it be?
Mathematically-awesome.
What’s a tip you’d share with new coaches starting their clubs?
Make sure you are prepared for high levels of engagement, excitement and participation of your students. You and your students are going to have fun!
What’s something surprising or unexpected you’ve learned as a coach?
Between the two of us we have more than 50 years of experience in education and administration. What surprised us the most is the excitement and anticipation students have displayed considering the various proficiency levels of our students in math.
