PSCTM Spring 2025 Dinner

Using mathematical structure to make practice meaningful,

differentiation straightforward, and mathematics irresistible

Like any art form, mathematics requires its students practice to develop a mastery of foundational skills. Historically this practice has taken the form of drills. This is fine for some students, but many students (and adults) can trace their dislike - even their trauma! - to these drills. In this talk we'll explore what a more purposeful approach to fluency might look like. We'll see how exploiting mathematical structure can create situations where students drill and practice in the service of motivated problem solving. The benefits of this approach are numerous - we'll argue that it can make differentiation nearly automatic, the mathematics students experience richer and more authentic, and math class work better for everyone.

Dan Finkel is the Founder of , a Seattle-based organization devoted to transforming how math is taught and learned. Dan is a game creator, curriculum writer, puzzle author, and speaker. His - has been viewed over a million times.

Dan’s Math for Love has been used by thousands of students, and is known for its combination of rigor and play. The he created with his wife, Katherine Cook, have won over 30 awards. They include Prime Climb, Tiny Polka Dot, Multiplication by Heart, and Rolly Poly.

Dan is also Cofounder of , which provides free, quality math resources. His new math book for kids, Pattern Breakers, was published in 2023.

Schedule:

• 5 pm social
• 5:30 pm dinner
• 6:15 pm: announcements
• 6:30 – 7:30 pm presentation

You may register on this site and pay for dinner or dinner and membership online. $15 for Members, $20 if not. Annual membership costs $8 for elementary teachers, $15 for all others.

Free clock hours are provided by Puget Sound Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Please register for them at the door.

Host or Publisher PSCTM