Artful Math

I create resources to make math exciting and fun for every child. I do this with hands-on & visual math activities, projects, and games that "don't FEEL like math". My 25+ years of teaching have convinced me that play is by far the best teacher, and joy is the strongest motivator--so these are at the forefront of everything I make.

Best words to describe my way of teaching math: playful, visual, creative, meaningful, thought-provoking. Play is not just a motivator, but a powerful teaching tool in its own right. I include games and some sort of play in everything I do. Play is perfect for practice & repetition, getting kids' full attention, using many parts of the brain, and reducing anxiety (so learning can happen). I believe struggling math learners need a completely different type of math experience (not more of the same). When math includes some visual or real-world element, it makes sense. Creativity, games, and intriguing questions get kids interested and engaged. The fastest way to help a child believe they are good at math is, surprisingly, NOT good grades--but how much they enjoy math. From that place of confidence, the sky's the limit. That's why it's such a top priority of mine to make math really, really fun.

-- Tiny Fellowship for Innovative Educators from 4.0 Schools -- Rising Star Award from Thriving Women in Business

I was terrible at math when I was a kid! Being bad at math was very much a part of my identity, well into my young adult years. Every decision, from small & irrelevant to major life choices, was made by asking the question: "Will I be able to do the math?" When I discovered visual math, and math patterns in nature, it's no exaggeration to say it changed my life. I'd spent my whole life KNOWING I was bad at math--and suddenly, I was not. Artful Math is my way of creating the math learning I needed as a child. Everything I make is targeted to the child who doesn't get it, who is frustrated and anxious and struggling. Artful Math activities delight these kids, and allow their own gifts to shine.

I live in Santa Clara, CA with my three awesome cats. Some of my biggest joys outside of designing fun math are building cat play structures, hiking, climbing, and solving puzzles.