A technique I used to build rapport with students while teaching math at a middle school was: having daily check-in questions! I created and added to this throughout the year, and it's chalk full of: pop-culture questions, random/insightful ones, and more. I was teaching during distanced learning when the pandemic was at its peak, so having these mini check-in questions helped break the ice and I learned a lot about my students. I tried to jot down notes about my students' interests and home-lives whenever they were brought up.

Setting aside a few minutes at the beginning of class to have them chat with their partner/group and then share helps set the mood of the class, and fosters better collaboration. It also helps to include some general 'feel-good'/temperature checks.

The fact is, there's not a lot of visible diversity in many STEM fields. When we picture a mathematician, we think of an older white man generally. If students don't see themselves in the discipline or work they're doing, they're less likely to try to succeed in the field.

A great way to get to know your child's cultural/home identity, and have representation of diversity within the classroom is: let them bring in pictures and decorations that represent the 'mathematicians' in their lives. This is a chance to also bring up how math is used in so many areas. For example, my parents work in nails and they use math to calculate tips, cost of material and production value, and more. Therefore, I'd bring in an image of my parents! Encourage students to think outside the box and tie the decorations/images into their own identities.

Students will create a powerpoint/essay/infographic/etc. (any type of representation!)

Goal:

• To encourage you to view yourself as ‘part of’ the math (and vice versa)

• We use math concepts, as well as the skills we learn from practicing math problems every day. Mathematics gives us a way to understand patterns, define relationships, and predict the future

Include:

• Two careers that you’re interested in, why, and how they may incorporate ‘math’ or problem solving skills

• Two ‘mathematicians’ in your life, how they use math, and their relation to you (can’t use teachers)

• How you use math or problem solving skills in your own life!

I've included some screenshots/examples from my students as well, and blurred faces for privacy purposes.