Honestly, I am a science major and this class really merged well with the Chemistry aspects of formulas. I really enjoyed the valuable information presented today. How Geillan presented the information was helping be be confident in my response rather than making me feel like I did not know how to respond. I respect that very much her way of teaching and development.
Puzzles and Games to Develop Mathematical Proficiency
Math doesn't have to be boring.
99%
found sessions valuable
96%
would attend again
93%
found session inspiring
15+
years of experience
Develop mathematical skills through play.
As Einstein says, “Play is the highest form of research.” Why? Because play gives opportunity to test ideas and develop new skills in a non-judgemental way.
- Play helps develop problem solving skills and increases engagement.
- Students can see relevant applications to content.
- Reduces math anxiety and other socio-emotional blocks to learning math.
Bring joy and meaning to your classroom by incorporating puzzles and games that enhance mathematical skills.
Dr. Geillan Aly
is a mathematics educator and former award winning Assistant Professor who received her PhD in Teaching and Teacher Education and a Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Arizona.
Her research focuses on the emotional side of learning mathematics and includes how computer-centered learning has affected students’ abilities to control their learning environment and how meditation may reduce mathematics anxiety.
Dr. Aly has been teaching at the university level for over ten years and, without sacrificing rigor, brings a personalized math learning experience to the classroom through active learning methods and by centering students’ emotional well-being. She is very familiar with the Common Core Standards and has experience teaching mathematics to Middle and High School students.
Underlying all of Dr. Aly’s teaching and research is a dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice in mathematics education. She enjoys traveling, seeing live music, and is an avid chef. Geillan is also a wife and mother of a beautiful boy. They live near Hartford, CT.
What you'll learn
- How math trauma can be reduced through play and other joyful activities.
- Age appropriate games that develop mathematical skills.
- How to use games to teach kids to take risks and solve problems.
- How games can help students develop social skills.
Location & Logistics
Everything you need to know about how the program runs.
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Format
This is an in-person workshop since materials are brought and distributed for teachers' use.
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Length
The program can run between 1-2 hours based on your need and program time (a longer program provides more time for collaboration and discussion).
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Required materials
All materials will be provided by Compassionate Math.
What people are saying
Refreshing and attainable! Practical
Actually learned about the disconnect in math. If you want to learn about motivation and how to move forward in math. If you want to actually enjoy doing math and be motivated to do it get this speaker in! So so so impressed and feel more prepared as a teacher to go forward. Have a growth mindset and make mistakes.
It was a workshop full of great techniques and knowledge on Mathematics that will relieve my imposter syndrome. I am glad I attend the event because my perspective on math has shifted, and I am more confident going into my next math class, knowing I can succeed is just the methods and mindset I apply to it.
Just naming beliefs and spending time reflecting really opened my eyes to what could be possible.
In teaching math, it's just as important to recognize the feelings and associations someone might have with a topic as the actual content that you'll be covering. Acknowledge and affirm the bad and harness the good.
It was very related to problems I thought happened to just me but I learned how relevant it is to everyone else. It shows the reason behind why math seems scary and helps work through it.
She did everything perfect honestly, and left me with the conclusion that everybody can be a pro at math
Applicable to daily teaching and realistic with helping students persevere. Geillan was approachable, easy to talk to, and more than willing to offer suggestions and advice!
It was a very passionate talk with patience and real life scenarios where Dr. Aly's tips could be used.
I really enjoyed this session by Geillan Aly. It was very informative and engaging, and it gave me a fresh perspective on how I approach teaching. The session was eye-opening because it introduced me to new techniques and strategies that I can use to make my classes more interactive and student-centered. I left feeling inspired and motivated to try these ideas with my students to improve their learning experience and help them stay actively involved.
If I had to [describe] this session to a friend or colleague I would tell them that we are all capable of do good in math and even with all the barriers that we might encounter, we can always become successful.
It was incredibly helpful for us as student teachers to learn from your expertise and challenge the things we carry with us so we don’t pass on maths anxiety to a whole new generation. Breaking any cycle is hard, but you have made it seem doable. Thank you!
The session was very interactive to help us she how to interact with students using the shared board. Great explanation of Inquiry Based Learning and how it works.
It inspires students to persevere with math and also gives them strategies for success.
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