• Vlog Ep #09: Fake Math and Pseudocontexts

    Fake Math and Pseudocontexts

    What are pseudocontexts, and should K-6 math teachers be concerned about them? I came across the term in Dan Meyer's excellent blog, in which he explores better ways of engaging students in learning math, and calls out "fake math" and poor teaching.

  • Math is Important, REALLY Important

    Math is important: student using laptop

    How important is it for our kids to grow up being good at math? Try this on for size: in 2016, terrorists are as likely to carry a laptop as a bomb. And they are probably in a basement somewhere, not risking being found out in the open. Want to try that line "We don't really need to be all that good at math, now we all have smartphones" again? I thought not.

  • K-6 Math in the News: Supermarket Math Fails

    K-6 Math in the News: Shopping Math Fail

    Do your students believe that math is irrelevant to their lives? Sadly, all too many of them do, especially as they reach high school. The article I discuss this week lists 10 occasions in which major Australian supermarkets got the mathematics behind their special offers totally wrong. Sometimes the “offer” was worse than the standard […]

  • K-6 Math in the News: Pokémon Go and Math for Kids

    Pokemon and Math for Kids

    How can a teacher use Pokémon Go to inspire her students to study hard in math? Surprisingly enough, the viral hit Pokémon Go which broke records at Apple's iTunes store has multiple possible uses in the regular K-6 classroom. Watch the video for much more!