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October 22 Exit Slip: The Math Guru

 I LOVE THE MATH GURU!


Oh how I love the Math Guru!!! I came across Vanessa's page a year ago while searching for some friendly math content for my students. There are few things that she focuses on that truly resonate with me and the reasons why I wanted to be a math teacher. 

"Can we let you in on a little secret? There's no such thing as a 'math person'. 'Math people' don't exist". 
YES! The Math Guru says it, Jo Boaler says it, who else needs for us to say it to finally believe it! I remember from a young age being told that I was a "math person", and I was embarrassed because I knew I wasn't. I felt like a phoney. 

She uses the word "super cool". 
I love this because I think it is so important that we break down barriers with our language as much as our attitudes. Using relatable language helps students relate to us, even when it comes to learning mathematics. 

Vanessa is a healthy reminder that we can be whomever we want to be, and like whatever we want to like. Our students can love PE as much as they love math. This is the kind of person I aim to demonstrate in my classroom: I am a unique individual, with individual interests, and you are going to have a hard time putting me into a box or giving me a label. 


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