Math, Curiosity, and Connection

This week, let’s talk about math—but not the way you're used to. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed math lover or math avoider, this conversation is for you.

Because behind all the numbers are stories, emotions, and opportunities for connection.

Podcast Spotlight

Math, Curiosity & Connection: A Conversation with the Math Happiness Project

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Erin O’Halloran and Liz Cutter-Lin—educators and co-founders of the Math Happiness Project. Before the conversation even begins, I ask you (and them): What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear math?

From there, we explore how their very different paths led to a shared mission: helping families and educators create joyful, anxiety-free math experiences. We talk about student “math trauma,” family engagement, teaching strategies, and the role of mindset in math confidence.

It’s one of those conversations that’s practical, personal, and packed with wisdom.

👉 Listen or Watch: YouTube / Spotify

Tip of the Week: Find the Fun in Feedback

Not all feedback has to feel formal or heavy. This week, experiment with light feedback loops. Try asking students:

• “What was confusing today?”
• “What should we do again tomorrow?”
• “What part made you feel smart?”

These quick questions don’t just guide your teaching—they build classroom trust and show students their voice matters.

Inspiration

“The joy of learning is as indispensable in study as breathing is in running.”
— Simone Weil

Teacher Commuter Playlist: Glorious by Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey

This week’s song pick comes straight from the episode—a classroom favorite that sparks energy, confidence, and that “let’s go!” feeling before the bell rings.

Five Things to Try

1. Ask your students (or yourself!): What’s one word you associate with math? See what surfaces.
2. Share a math moment at home. Estimating, comparing, noticing—math is everywhere.
3. Reframe mistakes. Remind your students that struggle in math means growth is happening.
4. Pause before correcting. Let students finish their thinking. Wait time builds confidence.
5. Tell your class one thing you love about math—even if it’s just the patterns. Model positive math talk.

Choose Your Own Adventure

• 31 Quick Tips to Get Your Classroom Ready for a New School Year
• Why a “Done List” Might Be the Mindset Shift Teachers Need
• Cognitive Science, All the Rage in British Schools, Fails to Register in U.S.

This week, consider the power of reintroducing something old in a new way. Whether it's math, a teaching strategy, or a mindset—you might just find there's joy waiting on the other side of curiosity.

With gratitude,

Jeremy

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