What do math and art have in common? For most of my life, I’ve heard that these two concepts (and subjects) belonged in different worlds, but in this episode, we explore the intersection points between these two and how one helps the other.
My guest in this episode is Jennifer Mahal, a digital creator and math and science teacher who uses creativity to make complex mathematical and scientific topics accessible. After discovering ingenious ways to understand math when she herself experienced difficulty with Grade 9 math, Jennifer started to grasp how easy math could be and realized others could be taught the same concepts.
Show highlights
- 2:10 – How art helped Jennifer through her personal struggle with math
- 6:33 – How important is art in teaching math?
- 11:06 – Creative strategies for older kids learning math
- 14:43 – Balancing (content) creation and math education
- 20:46 – The Shape of Roti
- 23:15 – The role of teachers in deconstructing math
- 26:35 – Writing strategies for teachers writing for the first time
“We forget that our teenagers are still kids and by bringing in these tangible creative parts, we are going to get that buy in … and reduce [the] stress that I think a lot of people have around math.”
Jennifer Mahal
Discussing The Shape of Roti
Jennifer is also the author of two books: Himmat’s Courage and The Shape of Roti.
In the Shape of Roti, which we talk about, geometry and baking collide to create a beautiful learning experience where children take an individualized approach to learning math through teamwork and with the guidance of elderly wisdom. As a bonus, children also get to learn about roti, a round flatbread common in South Asian cuisine.
We talk about the challenges she had writing the book and some tips for teachers who are considering writing books to fill the missing pieces in the education system. I found this episode truly inspiring and fun, and I hope you do too.
The Shape of Roti is available for purchase now, and you can buy it here.
Got any thoughts on this episode or want to suggest authors you’d like to see on the show? Send me a note here.
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About Jennifer Mahal
Jennifer Mahal is a certified teacher based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. When she was growing up, she noticed something missing: not enough books were like her. Now, as she works in the neighbourhoods where she grew up, she still sees that kids who share her background don’t have enough stories that represent them.
She created The Shape of Roti, a fun and interactive book that teaches kids about shapes and different cultures in a meaningful way. It’s also a book that ensures kids can see themselves in their classrooms and at the library. Jennifer invites audiences to learn together and celebrate differences through The Shape of Roti.
She has a degree in science, specializing in Chemistry and Biology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Calgary. In the process of obtaining her degree, she used creative methods to study all the different types of information being presented. She has worked with children and youth of varying ages and tutored young teens from fifteen to seventeen.
About The Shape of Roti
Roti or chapati is a traditional flatbread consumed all over the world, including India, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and the West Indies (Listed in alphabetical order).
Join twins Aashu and Rayan as they get their hands messy and explore different shapes, all while making roti. Can you find these shapes in pictures that depict cultural scenes? With a colouring activity at the end of the book, you can practice what you learned.
Topics covered:
- Preschool Math: 2D Shapes
- Cultural Appreciation
Additional information and learning activities can be found in the QR code located at the back of the book.
Guest’s links
Buy The Shape of Roti and book a session with Jennifer: https://msmahal.weebly.com
Follow Jennifer on Instagram and TikTok: @ms_mahal
Host’s links
Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/
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