Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math

5 | 10 ratings

Price: 13.78

Last update: 08-11-2024

Top reviews from the United States

Tips for u

Essential read for any parent

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024

Eye opening book on how anyone can become a math kid. Through the author’s inspiring journey, the book describes how so many kids are being channeled out of math, and what can be done to rekindle a deeper understanding of math and science and eventually a path to loving it. Really enjoyed all of anecdotes and illustrations. The perfect read for back to school

Carioca

Must-read, from an Aspiring "Math Person"

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024

One of the most vivid memories I have from childhood is a night in 3rd grade that I cried as I tried to memorize multiplication tables. My mother (the most amazing, caring, and supportive person in the world) consoled me by saying, basically, “it is OK, girls in our family aren’t good at math” and sharing that she and my grandmother had both struggled with the subject. My father, an architect and proud girl-dad, overheard this -- and it resulted in one of the biggest arguments I can remember my parents ever having, and him taking over to tell me that I can do anything, especially math. I went on to take AP Calculus at North Atlanta High School (thank you, Mrs. Hunter!!) and go to an Ivy League college. But I still never loved math.

Now a parent and education policy advocate, I understand how crucial it is to unlock a love of math in children from an early age. Shalinee Sharma's book not only addresses this need but does so with a refreshing blend of practicality, warmth, and insightful storytelling.

Sharma's personal journey as a math educator and her deep understanding of the anxieties that often accompany math learning shine through in every chapter. She deftly dismantles the myth that some people are simply "not math people." Instead, she offers a compelling case that a positive math mindset can be cultivated in anyone, regardless of their past experiences.

The book is filled with actionable strategies for parents and educators alike. Sharma provides a treasure trove of hands-on activities, games, and real-world examples that make math engaging and relevant. Her emphasis on the power of storytelling in math education is particularly noteworthy as we look at the policy and instructional changes needed to address the distressingly low levels of student math achievement in the US.

Now, I’m making it a priority for our family to talk about math for fun, whether at the dinner table or on car trips -- most recently adding up athletes' scores in the Olympics, multiplying the amount of food we will need to buy to feed our new puppy, and playing around with exponents. To come full circle, my daughter proudly wears a “Math Person” t-shirt to sleep in (even though she has shed some tears of her own over math the last few years). My goal as she enters 5th grade is to make sure that the love of math sticks with her, and continues to develop in my 3rd grade son.

Math Mind is a must-read for parents, teachers, and leaders in education and education policy.

Must-read for educators, policymakers, and families

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024

Growing up, I kept on getting told that "girls can't do math" by adults and young people all around me... except for those in my family. My parents believed anything was possible and there were no brain-based biases for or against math (or any other learning) if you have the right supports. Thankfully that inspired me to push back against the prevailing belief that there were two distinct types of people in the world, the "math-people" and the "creatives".
In Math Mind, Sharma shares not only the beauty and creativity of math but also a compelling argument that all people are indeed math people and everyone can learn AND love math with the right mindsets and strategies. The content in this book is something that every educator, policymaker, and family member needs to understand deeply and bring to life in their own practices from teaching to sending messages (subtle and not-so-subtle) to kids. I'm sure anyone reading this will find out something that helps them think or act differently to support a young person's journey to seeing themself as having a math mind. (Ex. I'm already playing around with counting backwards with young kids to make subtraction feel more natural.)
All to say, this is a must-read for all people impacting the lives of students.

tim oneill

Betcha a dollar this one changes the way you think about math.

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2024

Never in my life did i think i would read an entire book about math. I would have laughed you out of the room if you even suggested it. This book came to me through something of a serendipity, and i am so glad that it did.
I learned about a million things reading it, but here's the big one:
I'm not bad at math.
I'm not someone who isn't interested in math.
I'm not even someone who doesn't use math.
I am, however, someone who has been thinking about math in entirely the wrong way. This book changed the way I think about math, the way i approach my kid's math learning, and even the way I present myself when it comes to math. I learned that math isn't a monolith of correct answers, but a celebration of the journey to get there. It's music, it's art, it's the shape of the universe and the unfathomable size of an atom. I could go on but i'll just leave you with this: Don't miss this book. I can't recommend it enough.

Kindle Customer

ESSENTIAL FOR EVERY PARENT AND STUDENT! BEST BOOK ABOUT MATH EVER!

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024

In the world of education, few subjects seem to stir up as much dread as math. But in Math Mind, the author offers a refreshing take that can change not only how we see math but also how we keep kids excited about it. This book combines entertaining anecdotes with practical advice, making it both a fun and informative read. It's a must-have for any parent who wants to approach math in a way that inspires and engages their family. Whether you're a math lover or just looking for ways to make math less of a struggle at home, Math Mind is your go-to guide for turning numbers into something your kids—and you—will enjoy. Excited for her next book!!!!!!!!!!!

Manny

Excellent book to understand how to teach Math.

Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024

We have struggled to understand the best way to teach math to our children. This book really delves into the basics of what math concepts are important ,why they are important , and how to get your children to learn vital concepts. Mrs. Sharma clearly has thought a great deal about this issue and cogently explains it to the reader. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with young kids learning math. I have learned so much from reading it.

calbearz

Couldn’t put the book down!

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2024

A must read for me and my teens. It made me remember my time growing up when I thought I wasn’t a math kid. But I know I am one! I love how well written the book is and an easy read. It’s true, it’s a language anyone can learn when taught properly and we can all be great at it. I couldn’t put the book down. I highly recommend everyone reads this.

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