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Working on the Index — Part Two

Posted on by Denise Gaskins

This morning is day-of-rest time, streaming the church service. I’m still avoiding as much contact with people as I can manage since I may be going back at any time to help my elderly mom, and I don’t want to carry the virus to her.

But this evening, I’ll probably be back at my desk, slogging through the Index work on my Prealgebra & Geometry Games book — scheduled for publication in early 2021. (Sign up for my newsletter to get updates.)

So here’s the second installment of my behind-the-scenes peek at just part of what goes into making a book, reprinted from the Alliance of Independent Authors blog.

Continue reading Working on the Index — Part Two

Working on the Index — Part One

Posted on by Denise Gaskins

Now I’ve got a tiny streak going, it seems like a shame to miss a day of blogging. So here’s a bit of behind-the-scenes as I work on finishing up the new book.

By the way: Prealgebra & Geometry: Math Games for Middle School is scheduled for publication in early 2021. Sign up for my newsletter to get updates.

So, back to the Index. Here’s a post I wrote for the Alliance of Independent Authors blog last year. If you ever wondered what goes into designing a book, this is just a little of the detail work…

Continue reading Working on the Index — Part One

Mathematicians Play

Posted on by Denise Gaskins

The full quote, as it appears in my Math You Can Play books:

Mathematicians don’t sit around doing the kind of math that you learned in school. What they do is “play around” with number games, spatial puzzles, strategy, and logic.

They don’t just play the same old games, though. They change the rules a little, and then they look at how the game changes.

So, when you play games, you are doing exactly what mathematicians really do — IF you fool with the games a bit, experiment, see how the play changes if you change a rule here and there.

Oh, and when you make up games and they flop, be sure to examine why they flop — that is a big huge part of what mathematicians do, too.

—Pam Sorooshian
Games and Math

Excerpted from my upcoming book, Prealgebra & Geometry: Math Games for Middle School, scheduled for publication in early 2021. Sign up for my newsletter to get updates.

CREDIT: “Blue night” photo by Vincent Chin on Unsplash.

Moving Patterns Game on Kickstarter

Posted on by Denise Gaskins

We all know kids like to move. But did you know you can harness all of that innate energy into developing a conceptual understanding of mathematics?

“The Moving Patterns Game is an active, self-directed game featuring patterns, footwork, friends, and math. Dancing makes life fun, and math makes the dancing more interesting!”

—Malke Rosenfeld

Continue reading Moving Patterns Game on Kickstarter

Math Game: What Two Numbers?

Posted on by Denise Gaskins

Here’s a simple, conversational game you can play anywhere — no equipment necessary. It’s great for helping your children develop number fluency and algebraic thinking.

Excerpted from my upcoming book, Prealgebra & Geometry: Math Games for Middle School, scheduled for publication in early 2021. Sign up for my newsletter to get updates.

What Two Numbers?

Math Concepts: addition, multiplication, inverse operations, positive and negative numbers.

Players: two or more.

Equipment: no equipment needed.

Continue reading Math Game: What Two Numbers?

The Experience of Mathematical Thinking

Posted on by Denise Gaskins

The full quote:

For children (and adults) who have always considered math to be memorized rules, the experience of mathematical thinking — though difficult at first — can be as refreshing as a hike in pure mountain air.

As in hiking, so in math: It’s not the destination that matters, but the journey. Yes, you could give your students a rule that would help them get correct answers, but that’s no better than riding a helicopter up the mountain.

Slow down and take the time necessary to let your children fully explore these concepts.

— Denise Gaskins
Prealgebra & Geometry: Math Games for Middle School

Excerpted from my upcoming book, Prealgebra & Geometry: Math Games for Middle School, scheduled for publication in early 2021. Sign up for my newsletter to get updates.

CREDIT: “On the edge” photo by Joseph Gonzalez on Unsplash.

A Gentle Reminder

Posted on by Denise Gaskins

Shaista is a homeschooling mom who read an advance copy of my new book. Her response:

“I want to shout from the rooftops about it. It’s a wonderful read on the importance of play in maths — and a gentle reminder for those of us who know but feel pressured to make sure educational standards are met … and in the process of ticking off boxes we sometimes suck the joy out of maths, instead of realizing that it’s a journey to enjoy.”

— Shaista

Prealgebra & Geometry: Math Games for Middle School is scheduled for publication in early 2021. Sign up for my newsletter to get updates.

PHOTO CREDIT: “Outdoors kids” courtesy of Annie Spratt on Unsplash.

Playful Math Carnival 139 at Math Mama Writes

Posted on by Denise Gaskins

Okay, yes, this link is way late. Again. It’s a good thing these math carnivals are full of evergreen fun!

[TEASER: Watch this space for an exciting announcement next week. I may not have been blogging, but I haven’t been idle…]

Meanwhile, do check out the latest carnival of games, activity ideas, and inspirations for mathematical delight:

Sue put together this summer collection of mathematical activities. She writes:

“Most mathematicians are in it at least partially for the fun of it. We like to play with numbers, shapes, and logic. The more you play with math with your kids, the more likely they are to enjoy it.”

Sue edited the wonderful book Playing with Math: Stories from Math Circles, Homeschoolers, and Passionate Teachers, so she knows all about the joy of learning math.

Each monthly Playful Math Education Blog Carnival brings you a great new collection of puzzles, math conversations, teaching tips, and all sorts of mathy fun.

It’s like a free online magazine of mathematical adventures, helpful and inspiring no matter when you read them. Enjoy!

Click Here to Read the Carnival Blog

Help Us Keep the Carnival Going

The Playful Math Blog Carnival wants you!

The carnival is a joint effort. We depend on our volunteer hosts to collect blog posts and write the carnival each month.

Putting together a blog carnival can be a lot of work, but it’s a great opportunity to share the work of bloggers you admire and to discover new math-friends online. I love that part of being a host!

Classroom teachers, homeschoolers, college professors, unschoolers, or anyone who likes to play around with math — if you would like to take a turn hosting the carnival, please speak up.

Playful Math 138 @ Math Hombre Blog

Posted on by Denise Gaskins

Wow, the pandemic and the lockdowns really threw me off-kilter. Or maybe it’s just that I’ve been mono-focused on finishing my new book. This poor blog has sure suffered lately.

Unfortunately, I let last month’s carnival pass me by. I only noticed it, because Sue put out a call-for-entries to her own carnival, which is coming soon.

But the last one was great, and you really don’t want to miss it!

Check out spring Playful Math Blog Carnival at Math Hombre blog:

John put together a great collection of number puzzles, games, and math art. Plus special memories of John Conway and Don Steward.

It’s like a free online monthly magazine of mathematical adventures. Enjoy!

Click here to go read the carnival blog

Continue reading Playful Math 138 @ Math Hombre Blog