Scenario #1 by Aris Winger https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd You have a student name Maya. She has identified as Black. On the first day of class she comes in dejected. You ask her what’s wrong. She says she is not a math person and this is going to be a horrible experience. What do you do? en-us 2022-09-22 13:44:23 UTC 2025-11-06 08:41:21 UTC hello@padlet.com I wrote this as a question on the last padlet! I tell these students we are going to reflect on their relationship with math and find ways to value each math learner... But that always gets an eyeroll from my high schoolers https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308951310 2022-09-22 15:01:44 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308951310 We're going to look at math lots of ways this year. Math is for everyone; we'll work together to find what works for you https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308952225 2022-09-22 15:02:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308952225 I ask her to share her experiences in a restorative justice type of circle I share that I will check for understanding when I see them trying. I let her know I see, hear, want her to let me know when she's not understanding. https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308953467 2022-09-22 15:02:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308953467 Value her identity as "not a math person", while showing her that there is a place for her in your classroom. https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308953546 2022-09-22 15:02:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308953546 "Maya, it sounds like you are having some very strong feelings about mathematics. I'm here to help make this an enjoyable experience for you. Tell me more about your experiences to make you feel this way." cathleendoonan https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308953609 2022-09-22 15:02:57 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308953609 Validate feelings cathleendoonan https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308954786 2022-09-22 15:03:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308954786 I felt that way in elementary school. In Middle school I had that ONE teacher who changed my thinking. I still don't feel that I am "good" at math. But I am a good problem solver. I ended up minoring in it in college. I hope I can be THAT teacher for the students who don't feel good about themselves. https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308955770 2022-09-22 15:04:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308955770 https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308956185 Oh honey, this year math will be like nothing you've ever experienced before...you may change your mind about being a math person before you know it!

]]> 2022-09-22 15:04:15 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308956185 I usually say: "challenge accepted" jkieliszewski https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308959546 2022-09-22 15:05:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308959546 I have felt that way before too. I value you and hear what you are saying. I cannot wait to work together to grow and learn as math people. https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308965182 2022-09-22 15:08:57 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308965182 The Math Leadership team in my district has been working on emphasizing other ways to be "smart"/have strengths in math other than being fast at computation for K-5 https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308966316 2022-09-22 15:09:34 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308966316 I've been working with a teacher to implement Building Thinking Classrooms with students who have a history of not doing well in math class. There was some resistance at first, but they are LOVING the approach (manipulatives, groups, open ended problems). This is high school, by the way. We figured there was no reason to teach the same stuff the same way that didn't work before, and the students are really engaging. https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308970615 2022-09-22 15:11:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ariswinger/cimd0fz7gpshezqd/wish/2308970615