Happy Anniversary!

...and I nearly missed it.  Just this week I was thinking, "Gee, I think I've been blogging for about a year now.  I should go back and check the date."

I remembered just now, and good thing, too.  It's been exactly a year today since my first post.  I had just submitted my article for peer review to the Teaching Artist Journal and felt I had more to write.  And write I did.  When I started I didn't really know if anyone would read this blog; I haven't had a ton of readers, compared to other blogs, but am so grateful for the folks who have subscribed, followed, checked in, and commented. 

This blog has been a chance for me to illustrate and explain my work integrating percussive dance with elementary math topics, describe my work as a teaching artist more fully, and make connections between math, dance, and other similarly creative pursuits.  It's not really all over the 'map' but I do recognize that this might be categorized as a 'multi-topic' blog. That's fine with me -- I enjoy having multiple interests that intersect in sometimes fascinating ways over time.

This space has also been a way for me to connect with really interesting and smart folks in the mathed world, folks who have been really patient with me as I ask questions, share my ideas and generally expand my understanding of math thinking, topics and practices.  Sue VanHattum at Math Mama Writes, Maria Droujkova of Natural Math, Julie at Living Math, and Bon Crowder at MathFour have all provided wonderful support, forums, and conversations as I explore the world of math education.

It's been a whole year, but I feel like I'm just getting started.

Living Math Booklist

I am a big fan of narrative driven education, which is really just an easy way to put learning into context.  Narratives can engage a child's imagination and provide an emotional connection to the subject matter that, based on brain research, is crucial to learning, comprehension, and recall.  The Living Math Book List is an incredibly comprehensive list of math literature and an incredible resource.  From the site:

Although I do not have an "official" definition, I believe that a "living" math book is a book that presents mathematical concepts in real life context, which is relevant to the reader.

A living math book is not a text book; rather it is a book...plain and simple...a book...with a storyline, which happens to have math skills integrated within the story. Such books can be used to teach and/or reinforce various mathematical skills and concepts.

By this definition, many (though not all) of the books found on this list can be considered "living" math books.