Welcome to the Mathmatical Mindset blog! Here, I share insights, experiences, and strategies aimed at inspiring a growth mindset in mathematics. Join me as we explore effective mathematics instruction and practical ideas for enhancing teaching and learning. This is a personal project dedicated to supporting educators and fostering a love for math.
Through this blog, I hope to inspire a growth mindset in mathematics by sharing valuable insights and effective strategies. My goal is to support other educators and provide practical ideas that can be implemented to improve both teaching and learning experiences in mathematics.
Designing this Number Talk helped me see how important student discussion is in math. When students explain how they solved a problem, they learn from each other and build confidence. I realized my role is not to tell students the “right” way, but to guide the conversation and highlight different strategies.
What I Learned About Number Talks
How This Number Talk Shaped My Teaching Mindset
Designing this Number Talk helped me see how important student discussion is in math. When students explain how they solved a problem, they learn from each other and build confidence. I realized my role is not to tell students the “right” way, but to guide the conversation and highlight different strategies.
I also learned that mistakes are a big part of learning. When a student counts wrong or feels unsure, it opens the door for discussion. Instead of correcting right away, asking questions helps students rethink and make connections. This experience helped me understand how Number Talks support a positive mathematical mindset where students feel safe sharing their thinking.
I am trying to reach teachers, educators, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of effective mathematics instruction. By sharing resources and strategies, I aim to support those passionate about fostering a growth mindset in their students. Located in Seeley Lake, Montana, I am excited to connect with educators everywhere.
Through creating my instructional video for middle school algebra, I learned the importance of breaking down standards and working through problems step by step before teaching them. I noticed where students might struggle, like connecting visual representations, such as tape diagrams, to equations. This process helped me slow down and think carefully about each step, which I can now model for students. I also realized that even when a subject feels challenging, careful planning and thinking aloud can make abstract concepts more accessible.
Takeaways:
Slowing down and modeling thinking helps students understand better.
Visual representations make abstract ideas easier to grasp.
Planning problems at different levels helps all students succeed.
Another takeaway I received while creating my middle school math video was that I learned how important it is to support students at different levels. In the video, I showed three ways to scaffold the problem: a partially completed equation with a tape diagram for students who need extra help, asking students who mostly understand to explain each step, and offering a real-world scenario for those ready for a challenge. This helped me see how using visuals, manipulatives, and guided questioning can make abstract algebra ideas more concrete. I also realized how collaborating across grade levels can help ensure K–5 foundational skills support middle school algebra learning.
Takeaways:
Differentiation helps all students engage with the problem at their level.
Using visuals and real-world examples makes abstract concepts easier to understand.
Collaboration between grade levels strengthens instruction and student success.
This blog will cover a range of topics, including effective teaching strategies, real-world classroom experiences, and the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in mathematics. I will also share reflections on student learning and highlight resources that support effective math instruction.
Takeaway 1: Students Learn through Productive Struggle
One thing I learned is that students don’t always need the answer right away. When they are given time to try different strategies and work through a problem, they understand the math better. I noticed that struggle isn’t a bad thing, it helps students think more and build confidence. When students explain their thinking and even make mistakes, they learn from them and become more independent. This reminded me that my role as a teacher is to guide students, not solve everything for them.
Takeaway 2: Differentiation and Real-Life Examples Make Math Meaningful
Another takeaway from this lesson is how important it is to meet students where they are. Using real-life examples, like planning snacks for the class, makes math feel more relatable and less intimidating. I also learned that differentiation really matters. Things like visuals, manipulatives, sentence frames, and partner work help all students stay involved, especially English learners and students who need extra support. Differentiation doesn’t change the goal, it just helps students reach it in a way that works for them.
After reading my blog posts, I hope you will take time to reflect on your own teaching practices. My aim is for readers to try new strategies in their classrooms and engage with the resources and ideas shared, ultimately fostering mathmatical growth and a positive learning environment for all students.