Hanoi (VNA) - The most creative children were awardedin the final round of the contest titled “Critical thinking through painting2017”, which was held on July 30 at the Vietnam University of Fine Arts inHanoi.

The contest was organised by Mathnasium Vietnam, a centre that aims tointroduce children to new and creative methods in learning mathematics.

In the final round of the contest, children had to draw paintings which includea circle, square, rectangle, logenze, trapezium and other shapes.

The first, second and third prize went to children whose paintings have themost original idea, the most interesting style and the most variation incolours.

Eleven-year-old Le Phuong Thao from Hanoi won first prize for her painting withthe most original idea.

This final round attracted the participation of 200 candidates aged 5-15, fromHanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Phong and Da Nang, out of 2,000 contestants participatingsince the eliminator round in mid July.

Besides this, there were 10 consolation prizes for creative drawings and 10hope prizes for the drawings that were the most amusing.

Organisers said the contest aims to affirm that mathematics is not so “dry”,and that it can even be very “artistic”. Through the contest, children candevelop different skills including creation and logical thinking that areimportant for their success in the future. It can help children be moreconfident, more creative and continue to apply to logical thinking inmathematics as well as in arts and in life.

This is the second year Mathnasium Vietnam has organised this contest forchildren in the north of Vietnam. In the first edition of this contest in 2016,thousands of children competed in different rounds.

The contest is highly appreciated by parents because it created an interestingplayground for children.

“I thought that my daughter didn’t want to learn mathematics because thissubject is difficult. But through the contest, I found that mathematics hashigh practicality, not only in life but also in the arts, in particular inpainting,” Van Anh, a mother of a girl who participated in the contest, said.

“While participating in this contest, my daughter could paint her dreams invibrant colours. I hope that the contest will be organised in the coming years,so the children can prove their talent in painting and in learningmathematics.”

The total value of the awards at the contest goes up to 100 million VND (4,400USD). Mathnasium Vietnam began operating in HCM City in March 2011.
Mathnasium currently has 34 centres in the country with 10,000students studying. Mathnasium first appeared in the United States and wasdeveloped by mathematics professor Larry Martinek.-VNA