Math Our Way Introduction

We’ve been doing math their way since we were allowed to attend school.

This math doesn’t belong to us.  It was not designed for us.

These “real-world” problems don’t reflect our lived experiences.  If we can’t see ourselves engaging in mathematical activities and thoughts, then we won’t strive to become mathematical thinkers, which closes off many options and opportunities.

Their way continues to fail us.

It’s time to do math our way.

But what does that look like?  What would that feel like?  And most importantly, how can we do this right so that all students can see themselves as mathematicians?  How can we teach, learn, lead, and design differently, so that we are reflected in the mathematics?

That’s why I’ve started this blog:  to explore these questions and other topics I’ve been thinking about related to learning and teaching mathematics…for all students.

I also realized that I have so many ideas to discuss but rarely anyone to discuss them with now that I’m out of grad school, so now I have you all!
My posts will most likely focus on:
  • Great math resources and activities
  • Technology/digital math games
  • Teacher professional development
  • Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Pedagogy in Practice
  • Research-Based Practices in Mathematics
  • Teaching students (children and adults) who struggle
  • Whatever else pops into my brain!

A few points before I go:

  • I’m an expert in elementary mathematics, but I don’t know everything. I also have some knowledge of teaching secondary mathematics and I’ve taken some advanced math classes, FYI!
  • I’ll share resources, activities, and strategies that I think might make your lives easier as teachers, teacher educators, researchers, and parents.
  • I might include posts about other topics not directly related to mathematics, but I’ll try to warn you.
  • I, and this blog, are works in progress.  Enjoy the ride!

Please leave comments or questions below about what you might like for me to write about!  I can’t wait to hear what you think.

P.S.  Who is included in “Our/We/Us”?  Anyone who the institution of education was not designed for:  girls/women, people of color, differently-abled, and poor.  I talk about Math Our Way to be more inclusive…to be more focused on serving all children.   This language is not meant to be exclusionary, but meant to reflect my belief that all people can learn math to high levels when given the opportunity to learn and to show their learning.

3 thoughts on “Math Our Way Introduction

  1. Congrats on getting this off of the ground, Holly! Can't wait to read and share. All the best, Maxine

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