TOOLKIT
Apply an Equity Lens to Math Instruction
Build Mathematical Identity
Mindset Work
Help students build a positive math identity by incorporating short activities to help students reflect on their beliefs about math. Showing examples of mathematicians who are not white men, or who made contributions to the field of mathematics at a young age, can also help students see themselves as mathematicians.
- Blog: Mathematician Project & List of Mathematicians [Annie Perkins, ArbitrarilyClose.com]
- Resource: "Math and Me" Math Beliefs Inventory
- Resource: 10 Math Journal Prompts to Strengthen Math Identity
- Learn More: Launching Number Sense Routines with Children's Literature [TJ Jemison, blog.Heinemann.com]
- Resource: 40 Children's Books That Foster a Love of Math [Colleen Uscianowski Mass & Herbert Ginsburg, DREME]
Encourage Productive Struggle
Prepare students to engage in productive struggle by creating a classroom culture that celebrates mistakes as learning opportunities.
- Video & Activities: Three Ways to Celebrate Mistakes in Class [MindsetKit]
- Strategy: My Favorite No [Teaching Channel]
- Strategy: My Favorite No - 1st Grade Example [Kari Maurer]
- Resource: Which One Doesn't Belong? [Mary Bourassa]
- Strategy: K-2 Number Talk Example [Tools for Teachers]
Make Math Meaningful
Math in the Real World
Content becomes more meaningful for students when they are able to make connections between what they're learning and their own experiences, which leads to deeper learning.
- Learn More: 7 Real-World Math Strategies [Edutopia]
- Video: Real-World Problem Solving: Finding Solutions Through Projects [Edutopia]
- K-5 Resource: Real-World Math Wall Activity [Adapted from 7 Real-World Math Strategies]
- 3-5 Resource: Math Scavenger Hunt
Windows and Mirrors
Students’ learning experiences and outcomes are positively impacted when they encounter texts, images, and other media that both reflect their identities, and help them understand the identities and experiences of others.
- Learn More: Using Stories Beyond Word Problems to Teach Math [Edutopia]
- K-5 Resource: Math and Social Justice Books [Teaching for Change]
- K-12 Resource: Create Windows & Mirrors in STEM
Teach Within the Context of Culture
Current events, history, traditions, and other cultural paradigms can offer powerful real-world applications of the skills and concepts we are already teaching.
- Learn More: Culturally Responsive Math Activities and Ideas [College US]
- Learn More: Tips on Using Real Data and Current Events [National Council for Teachers of Mathematics]
- K-12 Resource: Math & Science Lessons using the NYT [New York Times]
Deepen Background Knowledge
When students have the proper background knowledge, they are able to fully engage with content. Equitable instruction begins with equipping all students with the necessary background knowledge.
- Learn More: How to Use Students’ Prior Knowledge to Build Math Skills [Edutopia
- K-12 Resource: Illustrated Math Dictionary (for Word Walls) [Math is Fun]
- Home Resource: Family Pre-Survey Template for Upcoming Unit -- English | Spanish
- Learn More: Numberblocks Children's Show [BBC]