How are we inviting our students into mathematics?

You can watch our math PD video chat here:
Amy and Jeanne’s first math podcast

Talking with special educator Jeanne Magee about the thoughtful professional development she attended was so inspiring. It was a beautiful reminder of the many ways we can invite students to actively participate in their own math learning.

Jeanne mentioned the book Gurple and Preen by Linda Sue Park (you can explore it through the link here). Inviting students to think and engage mathematically through literature is one of those low floor, high ceiling approaches.

We want students to experience math as something they can enter, explore, and make meaning from, no matter where they are in the world or in their learning journey.

There are so many creative ways to learn math through literature while also building mathematical vocabulary in meaningful and lasting ways. As we read, we can lift language naturally. Words like pattern, equal, compare, combine, and difference become part of the conversation instead of isolated vocabulary terms. Students begin to own the language because they are using it in context. That connection matters.

This connects beautifully with the work of Steve Wyborney and his Esti-Mysteries. Esti-Mysteries invite students into curiosity. Each image encourages students to wonder what number is represented, revealing clues over time so students refine their thinking and estimate with reasoning.

You can explore and use these resources here: Esti-Mysteries

When we place these experiences side by side, literature and estimation, story and number, we begin to see something bigger.

Do you have a favorite book you like to read in math class?
If so, we would love for you to share it.amyworld2math@gmail.com