The hottest Math education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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How Kids Actually Get Good at Math in America

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9066 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🚌 Education Math education
  1. Math requires automaticity: kids need regular practice so their skills stay fresh and they can move from "learning math" to using math to learn other things.
  2. Schools alone rarely produce top-tier math talent; specialized extracurricular programs and math communities are the places that consistently develop students to competition and advanced levels.
  3. To get really good at math, parents often need to plan early and use the right resources to keep math fun and sustained, since many powerful programs exist but are geographically limited and not widely known.

Advanced Math for Kids: Numbers and Functions Follow The Same Rules

Kids Who Love Math • 587 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🚌 Education Math education
  1. Numbers and functions follow the same basic rules: you can add them and scale them, order and grouping don’t matter, there is a zero, and every element has an opposite.
  2. When different things obey the same rules they share a structure, so math becomes about spotting patterns and analogies across different systems.
  3. You can explore this with kids by trying different functions and operations (like f(x)=x^2 or g(x)=3x) so they see the same rules hold in a hands-on way.

Making Your Own Examples Is One of the Most Powerful Math Skills

Kids Who Love Math • 587 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🚌 Education Math education
  1. Have kids make their own example problems so they move from copying steps to creating and testing ideas; this builds ownership and a deeper grasp of the technique.
  2. Use a ladder of problem-posing—from copying examples to designing constraint-driven or error-catching problems—to guide growth so questions get harder as understanding grows.
  3. Asking kids to invent problems fights boredom, helps them probe when a technique works or fails, and builds the mathematical maturity to explore abstract ideas on their own.

This week in the science of learning, August 18, 2024

The Bell Ringer • 139 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🚌 Education Math education
  1. There is a new online math platform that focuses on how kids feel about math rather than just their performance on tasks. Teachers have noticed that this approach makes kids want to participate and help each other more.
  2. A report warns that generative AI in schools may not be improving student outcomes. Some experts are concerned that it could automate thinking, which isn't what we want for student learning.
  3. Many high school students struggle with reading, and secondary teachers often lack the training to help them. There's a push to change this, but it's unclear if integrating reading lessons will take away from important content learning.

Listen to “The Math Wars”

The Bell Ringer • 139 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🚌 Education Math education
  1. It's important to listen to research about learning methods. Many people have different views on how students learn best.
  2. The debate around teaching math shows how divided opinions can be. Understanding these differences can help improve education.
  3. Podcasts like 'The Disagreement' can be a fun way to explore complex topics. They encourage thinking about different sides of an issue.
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Kindergarten math is crucial

The Bell Ringer • 139 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🚌 Education Math education
  1. Learning math in kindergarten is really important for a child's development. It helps set a strong foundation for their future learning.
  2. Many classrooms may not focus enough on math at this age. More attention to early math skills can benefit children's overall education.
  3. Teaching flexibility with numbers, like how different combinations can make up a number, is essential. This approach encourages problem-solving and critical thinking from a young age.

It's hard to stop Math Acceleration once you start

Kids Who Love Math • 755 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🚌 Education Math education
  1. Starting math acceleration at an early age can lead to kids getting really far ahead, even several years, if they enjoy it and continue practicing.
  2. Schools may not always know how to support kids who excel in math, leading to some frustration for parents trying to find help.
  3. It's important to check in with kids regularly about their interest in math, as their willingness to learn can change over time.

This week in the science of learning

The Bell Ringer • 79 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
🚌 Education Math education
  1. Oral language skills are important for learning. Good communication helps kids understand and connect with their lessons better.
  2. There is ongoing debate about teaching methods in math. Different approaches can lead to confusion, so finding what works best for students is key.
  3. Curriculum design plays a big role in how effectively students learn. The way material is presented can make a big difference in student engagement and understanding.

Mathematical Adventures Await Us

Kids Who Love Math • 335 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🚌 Education Math education
  1. Viewing new math topics as adventures makes learning more fun. It helps kids feel excited and curious about what they'll discover.
  2. Preparation is important before starting a math adventure. Physically, emotionally, mentally, and philosophically getting ready can help kids face challenges.
  3. Tracking progress and celebrating discoveries during and after the adventure makes learning rewarding. It encourages kids to think about what they learned and plan for future adventures.

Trash Cans and Math Policy

SFEDup • 98 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🚌 Education Math education
  1. San Francisco tried to create its own trash can but had to stop due to budget issues
  2. San Francisco Unified School District is considering changing its math policy and creating new math pathways
  3. The school district should learn from how other districts address similar issues and consider increasing instructional time for math

Make Math Obvious

Kids Who Love Math • 251 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🚌 Education Math education
  1. Math is everywhere in daily life, and parents can help kids see that. Pointing out math moments, like counting socks or planning in games, makes it more fun.
  2. Even if something seems obvious to adults, it may not be to kids. Making the role of math clear in everyday situations helps kids appreciate it more.
  3. The goal is to help kids enjoy math by showing them how it connects to their interests and experiences. Keep it light-hearted and fun to spark their curiosity.

Do Math, Touch Grass, Repeat

Kids Who Love Math • 167 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🚌 Education Math education
  1. It's great for kids to love math, but that shouldn't mean they have to give up everything else to become math geniuses. Parents should let kids decide their own paths.
  2. While math is important and helpful in many areas, it doesn't handle everything in life. Kids need to connect with people and the world outside of math.
  3. The pressure to make kids succeed in math, like in sports, can take the fun out of it. Instead, kids should also spend time playing outside and enjoying other activities.

Sunday Listens: Talking math instruction

The Bell Ringer • 39 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🚌 Education Math education
  1. Podcasts can be a great way to learn about math instruction and research. They offer discussions that can inspire teachers and parents alike.
  2. Listening to experienced educators helps us understand new strategies in teaching math. This can improve how we approach learning in schools.
  3. The focus on elementary math is essential for building a strong foundation. Early math skills are important for students' future success.