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CENTER FOR FAMILY MATH TOOLKIT

Foster Joyful Math Learning:

Engage Families through Play-based Strategies

Below, you'll find a curated toolkit of research-based resources designed to help educators and families make math learning joyful, engaging, and relevant. 

Family Math Myths versus Facts

Play-Based Math Games

  •   Math Myths vs. Facts [Spanish]: Before you get started, mindset matters! Debunk common math myths and foster a strong, positive math mindset by showing that everyone can be a 'math person'! Pairing math games with positive messaging helps students gain confidence while they play.
  • K-8 Math Games with a Deck of Cards: These easy-to-play card games for grades K-8 help strengthen key math skills while fostering a growth mindset. Each game outlines the skills being strengthened and the number of players needed.
Learning by Teaching Family Math Prompts-Toolkit
Homework - Six Conversation Prompts

Build Math Discourse

  •  Six Guiding Questions: Flip traditional roles and let students be the teacher! Use these six prompts to help students explain their thinking, clarify ideas, and build math confidence during homework time.
  •  Learning by Teaching Family Math Prompts [Spanish]: For extra support, use these family-friendly prompts to facilitate a generative math conversation.

💡 Tip: If students get stuck, encourage them to use their notes, class resources, or online tools to find answers, just like real mathematicians do!

Toolkit - Family Interview

Connect Math to Daily Life

  •  Math is All Around Us: Discover math in everyday moments from cooking and shopping to games and traditions. Honor families'  experiences, skills, and culture.
  •  Family Math Interview [Spanish]: Have students interview a family member about how they use math in everyday life. Spark positive math conversations, reinforce real-world connections, and build confidence.
Toolkit - Unit Introduction Template

Strengthen Relationships with Families

 

 


Turn play into powerful math conversations

MathVoice provides play-based activities that help students explain their thinking, build positive math mindsets, and give families and teachers deeper insight into their mathematical reasoning.