Math can be a daunting subject for many students. Some may believe that they are simply not good at it and that being a “math person” is reserved for a select few. This negative mindset can be damaging to a student’s self-confidence and hinder their potential for success in math. However, curriculum expert Phonisha Hawkins has found a creative way to change the narrative and convince students and teachers that anyone can be a “math person” – through the power of chocolate chip cookies.
Hawkins, who has been a teacher for over 20 years, understands the challenges students face when it comes to math. She has seen firsthand how students can become discouraged and give up on the subject entirely. But she firmly believes that with the right approach, anyone can excel in math. Hawkins’ secret weapon? Chocolate chip cookies.
In her years of teaching, Hawkins has found that food is a great motivator for students. And what better way to get students excited about math than with a delicious treat? Hawkins uses chocolate chip cookies as a tool to engage and inspire her students. She believes that by making math fun and relatable, students will develop a positive attitude towards the subject and see themselves as capable math learners.
Hawkins’ approach is simple yet effective. She starts by asking her students if they like chocolate chip cookies. Of course, the majority of them respond with a resounding “yes!” She then explains to them that making cookies involves a lot of math, from measuring ingredients to calculating baking time. Without math, our beloved cookies would be nothing but a mess of ingredients. This real-life application of math immediately captures her students’ attention and sparks their interest.
Hawkins then takes her lesson a step further by using a hands-on approach. She brings in all the necessary ingredients and has her students measure and mix them together to make the cookie dough. This not only reinforces the math concepts they have learned but also allows them to see the results of their calculations in a tangible form. As the cookies bake in the oven, Hawkins challenges her students to calculate the baking time and temperature, further enhancing their math skills.
But the real magic happens when the cookies are finally ready to be devoured. As her students take a bite, Hawkins asks them to think about all the math that went into making these delicious treats. From measuring and converting units to understanding fractions and proportions, the students realize that they have been using math all along without even realizing it. This “aha!” moment is crucial in changing their mindset and showing them that they are indeed capable of being “math people.”
Hawkins’ approach not only engages students but also encourages them to think critically and problem-solve. By using a real-life scenario and a relatable item like cookies, she breaks down the perceived barriers and shows students that math is all around us and can be enjoyable.
But it’s not just students who need convincing that they can be “math people.” Teachers also play a vital role in shaping students’ attitudes towards math. Hawkins believes that by showing teachers how to make math fun and relatable, they can inspire their students to become confident and successful math learners. To achieve this, she conducts workshops where she shares her chocolate chip cookie lesson and other creative teaching methods with fellow educators. By empowering teachers with the tools to make math engaging and relevant, Hawkins hopes to spread her message that anyone can be a “math person.”
As a curriculum expert, Hawkins understands the importance of creating a positive learning environment for students. She believes that a positive attitude towards math is crucial in helping students succeed. By using chocolate chip cookies as a teaching tool, she not only makes math fun and relatable but also builds students’ confidence and self-esteem.
In conclusion, being a “math person” is not reserved for a select few. With the right approach and mindset, anyone can excel in math. Phonisha Hawkins’ creative use of chocolate chip cookies has shown students and teachers alike that math can be enjoyable and accessible to everyone. So the next time you find yourself struggling with math, just remember that with a positive attitude and a little bit of chocolate chip cookie motivation, you too can be a “math person.”
