Seven ‘playing with maths’ conversations

A few months ago, Maths Play took a learning risk by signing up to create a seven part podcast series... What better way to learn than to jump in and do? 

The Four Sevens podcast explores different ways to learn maths through play I’d like to extend a special thank you to all featured guests: Dr David Butler, Andrew Lorimer-Derham, Sam Millar, Marissa Cashmore, Ryan Evans and Matt Skoss.   An additional special thanks to Marissa Cashmore for supporting this Maths Play initiative by being a part of each episode as co-host. 

This article spotlights all seven episodes and some of the highlights to look out for in each conversation.

EP01: Playful and joyful mathematics with David Butler

Hosts: Alex Box & Marissa Cashmore

Guest: Dr David Butler, University of Adelaide

Some of the highlights in this episode:

• David’s explanations of mathematical play and mathematical joy
• Stories from 100 Factorial, a regular time and space for mathematical play
• A maths game that David created called “Digit Disguises”
• Simple ways to spark curiosity and foster mathematical joy 

Duration: 01.08.06

Listen here

EP02:  Playful games and puzzles with Andrew Lorimer-Derham

Hosts: Alex Box & Marissa Cashmore

Guest: Andrew Lorimer-Derham, Think Square

Some of the highlights in this episode:

• Andrew’s explanation of ‘intentional fun’
• A maths game that Andrew created called “MathemaTic-Tac-Toe”

• How games and puzzles differentiate and foster mathematical proficiency 

Duration: 43.34

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EP03: Exploring maths outdoors with Sam Millar

Hosts: Alex Box & Marissa Cashmore

Guest: Sam Millar, Cornish College

Some of the highlights in this episode:

• Sam’s explanation of the many benefits of an outdoor learning program
• Insights about First Nations perspectives and how these are incorporated

• Hearing about the Roly Poly challenge! 
• Practical tips for getting started with taking maths outside

Duration: 56.13

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EP04: Maths manipulatives with Marissa Cashmore

Hosts: Alex Box 

Guest: Marissa Cashmore, Macclesfield Primary School

Some of the highlights in this episode:

• Marissa’s top 5 (plus a cheeky 6th) must-have materials for the maths classroom
• Considerations for designing goals and determining what success looks like
• Lots of rich mathematical task ideas 

Duration: 38.56

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EP05: LEGO brick play with Ryan Evans 

Hosts: Alex Box & Marissa Cashmore

Guest: Ryan Evans, Brickulum

Some of the highlights in this episode:

• Ryan’s earliest significant LEGO memory 
• Simple challenges that are rich with mathematics, e.g. 10 brick challenge
• Lessons from life as a LEGO Master that translate to teaching and the maths classroom 

Duration: 45.58

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EP06: Number Talks (and other maths talk routines) with Alex Box 

Hosts: Marissa Cashmore

Guest: Alex Box, Maths Play

Some of the highlights in this episode:

• Examples of open-ended maths talks
• Pedagogical nuances that shape a positive Number Talk experience
• How Number Talks are an explicit teaching approach
• The story behind the podcast name ‘Four Sevens’

Duration: 41.56

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EP07: Playful maths across the years with Matt Skoss 

Hosts: Alex Box & Marissa Cashmore

Guest: Matt Skoss, 

Some of the highlights in this episode:

• Stories from Matt's long career as a maths teacher and leader
• Matt’s top 5 maths materials for the classroom
• Creating and using giant versions of tasks 
• Matt’s advice for connecting with students in order to engage them 

Duration: 42.32

Listen here

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