182 What Is Math Therapy? (And Why You're Probably Already Doing It)

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Welcome back to our summer Math Therapy book study series!

This week we're discussing Chapter 2 and exploring a question many teachers may be asking:

What exactly is math therapy?

One of the biggest takeaways from this chapter is that math therapy isn't about becoming a licensed therapist. Instead, it's about becoming more intentional about the human side of mathematics.

As teachers, we already help students:

• navigate frustration
• recover from mistakes
• build confidence
• develop resilience
• challenge limiting beliefs

Math therapy simply gives us a framework for doing that work more intentionally.

In This Episode

• Vanessa Vakharia's journey into math therapy
• Why teachers already influence students' mathematical identities
• The Five Ms framework:
  • Mythbust
  • Moderate
  • Motivate
  • Makeover
  • Measure
• The connection between Atomic Habits and mathematical identity
• Why beliefs shape identity and identity shapes habits
• The importance of bringing your whole self into mathematics
• Creating classroom agreements rooted in empathy and belonging
• Rethinking the first two weeks of school

A Powerful Question

What if the first two weeks of school weren't just about procedures and review?

What if they were also about helping students build a healthier relationship with mathematics?

This question is shaping much of my planning for Geometry Proficiency Lab and may be one of the most impactful ideas from the chapter.

This Week's Reflection

Consider these questions:

• What are you already doing that supports students' mathematical well-being?
• How do you build belonging in your classroom?
• What messages do your students receive about who can be successful in math?
• Which of the Five Ms do your students need most?

Community Challenge

Join us inside the Facebook group and share:

1. One thing you're already doing that aligns with math therapy
2. One activity you plan to use during the first two weeks of school
3. Which of the Five Ms you're most excited to learn more about

Let's learn from each other as we prepare for a new school year.

Read Along With Us

📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6

🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D

Coming Next Week

We'll begin exploring the first of the Five Ms:

Mythbust

We'll discuss growth mindset, identity, math autobiographies, journaling, and how students can begin rewriting the stories they've been telling themselves about mathematics.

Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X. 🎙️📐

This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

Connect with Kristen:

• Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
• Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement

More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast

Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.

Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!

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