Catherine Pellicane has been a Crazy 8s coach almost as long as Crazy 8s has been around, leading more than a dozen clubs and inspiring hundreds of kids in Edison, New Jersey where she is a fifth-grade teacher. Beyond coaching, Catherine serves as our Math Pedagogy Specialist and Crazy 8s Ambassador, piloting activities, training coaches, and representing us at conferences. We had a chance to talk to Catherine about her journey as a Crazy 8s coach and here’s what we found out!
What inspired you to become a Crazy 8s coach?
In my fifth-grade class, year after year I saw more and more students disliking math, and dreading math class starting. I saw Crazy 8s and knew this would be an innovative way to get kids to love math again.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had with your club so far?
I feel like I have memorable moments each time I meet with my club members. There are always those lightbulb moments when a student gets it and they feel so proud of themselves.
What’s the funniest or most creative thing a student has said or done during a club activity?
One student came up to me in the hallway all excited, and shared that they had just learned about area and perimeter in class. He knew all about it because of Crazy 8s!
What’s your favorite Crazy 8s activity?
Neon Geometry and Super Cube Shuffle!
How have you seen your students grow or change through Crazy 8s?
They become more confident and their leadership skills grow while working in groups. They don’t get frustrated and they enjoy the struggle.
If you could describe Crazy 8s in one word, what would it be?
Growth.
What’s a tip you’d share with new coaches starting their clubs?
Read the directions and try everything out before you do it with the students.
What’s something surprising or unexpected you’ve learned as a coach?
The most unexpected thing that’s happened is how much my Crazy 8s club has grown. I’ve been doing this for seven years and each year my waitlist gets longer and longer. It’s so invigorating that students want to be a part of a math club.