In the heart of Brooklyn Amity School, there's a math classroom where something truly magical happens. Here, Math teacher Ms. Bulut works her wonders, not just with numbers, but with the hearts and minds of her students. In a world where some may fear math as an insurmountable challenge, Ms. Bulut is on a mission to change the narrative. She's fostering a unique friendship between her students and math itself, and it all starts with a simple exercise in growth mindset.
The Power of a Growth Mindset:
Ms. Bulut firmly believes that math is not an adversary; it's a friend waiting to be embraced. To instill this mindset in her students, she introduces an inspiring and innovative activity. The classroom becomes a space for self-reflection, goal-setting, and a little bit of magic.
Letters to Math:
Imagine elementary and middle school students, sitting at their desks with pens in hand, ready to pour their thoughts onto paper. They begin by writing everything about themselves on the inside of their hands—a symbol of self-awareness and self-acceptance. Then, on the sleeve of their hands, they write a heartfelt letter to math, addressing it as if it were a dear friend.
The Conversation with Math:
In these letters, students share their unique relationship with math, their feelings towards it, and their personal experiences. They talk about what they like and dislike, how their math journey has been thus far, and what they hope to achieve in the future. Through these letters, math transforms from an abstract concept to a cherished companion.
A Different Perspective:
By approaching math in this manner, students gain a fresh perspective. They begin to see math as a friend who is there to help, challenge, and grow with them. This shift in mindset sets the stage for a year filled with positive math experiences.
Setting Goals for a Math Journey:
As the year progresses, students revisit their letters and their goals for their friendship with math. They see how their perception of math has evolved, and it becomes a source of motivation. Ms. Bulut's classroom becomes a place where students not only learn math but also learn about themselves and the power of a growth mindset.
A Year-Long Friendship:
The letters to math are a continuous reminder of the friendship that's been established. Students look back at their words throughout the year and reflect on how far they've come in their journey with math. It's a testament to their growth, resilience, and evolving mindset.
In Ms. Bulut's classroom, math is not just a subject—it's a friend, a confidant, and a source of inspiration. Through the simple act of writing letters, students learn that math is not to be feared but embraced. It's a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and, most importantly, friendship.
As we celebrate Ms. Bulut's dedication to fostering a positive math mindset, we're reminded that with the right perspective, anything is possible—even forming a lifelong friendship with math.
Warm regards,
Brooklyn Amity School