Making Math Moments That Matter #6: Looking for Joy in Mathematics Joy: An Interview with James Tanton
This week we interview the great James Tanton. Author, curriculum writer, speaker, creator of Exploding Dots and spreader of joyous mathematics! We bet that you’ll find yourself smiling as you listen to James’ enthusiasm for joyous mathematics.
You’ll Learn:
- Why Education at all levels K-12 is intellectually rich, profound, deep, wonderful, and equally important.
- How to make math joyous, wonderful, and human.
- Why we teachers don’t always have to be the experts in the room.
- The Power of symmetry in math education.
- Clues throughout algebra that speak geometry.
- The human story of mathematics is a visual one.
- The power of place value. Exploding Dots gives a visual model for place value.
- Why we should empower students to choose their own models to showcase their thinking.
Resources:
Show Notes: makemathmoments.com/episode6
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Links related to this episode:
https://www.explodingdots.org/
https://www.globalmathproject.org/
https://www.beaglelearning.com/
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Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.