As Dan Meyer put it, “math class needs a makeover.”  It breaks my heart to hear students say things like, “I’m not good at math” or “I hate math!”

In my opinion, one of the first things that needs to change is the focus on correct answers and the need for speed.  This leads students to believe that the only way to be good at math is to be right (quickly).  The other practice that needs to be eliminated is the language we use as teachers such as “that’s right” or “you’re so smart.”  

You’re So Smart

You’re so smart is one of the most damaging things you can say to a child.  What is smart?  What do we value and what are we showing them that we value?  Being smart needs to mean learning as a means in itself.  Or rather, the journey of learning.  This is not…