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Choosing the SEE: Celebrating the Unique Traits of Students- Building Equity in Math Classrooms through Relationship Building and Equitable Practices
India White • October 19, 2024
Choosing to See- Building Equity in the Math Classroom!
Choosing the SEE: Celebrating the Unique Traits of Students- Building Equity in Math Classrooms through Relationship Building and Equitable Practices
In today’s classrooms, one of the most powerful actions a teacher can take is to see the unique strengths and potential in every student. When students feel seen and valued, they thrive—not only academically but also personally. In the context of math education, this mindset is essential for building an equitable learning environment where every student has the chance to succeed. Through intentional relationship building and the implementation of equitable math practices, teachers can demonstrate that they care about their students' individual journeys.
Why Equity in Math Matters when Choosing to See Students
Math is often seen as a subject where the answer is either right or wrong. However, the process by which students arrive at their answers is unique to each individual. When teachers actively work to recognize and appreciate this uniqueness, they break down barriers that have historically excluded students from reaching their full potential in mathematics. In fact, equity in the classroom goes beyond providing equal resources—it’s about tailoring the learning experience so that each student, and their culture,
regardless of their background or abilities, has an opportunity to thrive.
The Key: Building Relationships through Equitable Math Practices
At the heart of equitable teaching is the teacher-student relationship. Teachers who take time to understand their students’ backgrounds, interests, and learning styles can create a classroom where every student feels seen and respected. Relationship building
in this context isn’t just about getting to know students personally, but also about understanding their academic needs and creating a safe space where students are encouraged to express their thoughts and take risks in learning.
By using equitable practices, math teachers can communicate to their students, “I see you, and I believe in your potential.” These practices include:
a. Differentiated instruction to meet students where they are academically.
b. Encouraging students to use their voice and explain their thinking during math discussions.
c. Providing multiple entry points for students to engage with math problems based on their strengths.
Equitable math practices ensure that students who may not always speak up, or who have struggled in the past, feel included and supported. Implementing these strategies can help foster a community of learners who believe in their ability to succeed in mathematics.
Strategies for Building Equity: 20 Equitable Classroom Games
Equitable practices can be fun and interactive! Below are 20 games that math teachers can incorporate into their classrooms to foster inclusivity and promote engagement:
1. Mix and Mingle: Encourages students to interact with different classmates, ensuring a variety of perspectives are heard during problem-solving.
2. Equity Sticks:
Use popsicle sticks with students’ names to randomly select participants, giving everyone an equal opportunity to contribute.
3. Think-Pair-Share:
Promotes individual reflection followed by paired discussions before sharing with the class, ensuring quieter voices are heard.
4. Peer Tutoring: Pairs students to tutor each other, creating a collaborative learning environment where each student feels empowered.
5. Role-Playing:
Allows students to explore different perspectives and develop empathy, critical for building a classroom culture of respect.
6. Circle Time:
Puts students in a circle for equal-opportunity discussions, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.
7. Jigsaw:
Divides the class into expert groups on different topics, promoting collaboration and the value of shared learning.
8. Four Corners:
Provides students with a way to express opinions or answers physically, ensuring diverse ways of thinking are celebrated.
9. Fishbowl:
Enables in-depth discussions in small groups while others listen, promoting reflection and diverse perspectives.
10. Gallery Walk:
Encourages students to move around the room to different problem stations, allowing for small-group collaboration.
11. Silent Conversations: Gives students the opportunity to express themselves through writing, creating space for those who may not feel comfortable speaking aloud.
12. Socratic Seminars:
Facilitates structured dialogues where students engage in thoughtful questioning and answer sessions, promoting deep understanding.
13. Interactive Whiteboard:
Allows all students to contribute to a collective problem-solving process, ensuring participation from all.
14. Random Grouping: Ensures diverse interactions by randomly grouping students for activities, breaking down social barriers.
15. Snowball Toss:
Engages students by allowing them to toss around questions or ideas, adding a playful element to learning.
16. Partner Swap: Allows students to rotate partners, ensuring they work with various peers and develop diverse collaborative skills.
17. Classroom Debates: Encourages structured arguments on math-related topics, promoting critical thinking and multiple viewpoints.
18. Choice Boards:
Offers students a choice in activities or problems, empowering them to engage with content in ways that suit their strengths.
19. Digital Collaboration Tools:
Allows all students to contribute in real-time through platforms like Google Docs, providing equal opportunities for participation.
20. Brainstorm Carousel:
Rotates students through posters with different questions, ensuring everyone has the chance to share their ideas.
These activities not only build equity by promoting inclusion and active participation, but they also help teachers better understand the unique traits of each student. By using these games, teachers can create an environment where every student feels seen and has the opportunity to grow. Students will conclude that "I see you care for me, I see that my uniqueness matters and is CELEBRATED in the classroom"
Leading with Equity: Insights from Equity Counts! Diversity and Inclusion for All
The strategies above are part of a larger movement to implement equitable practices at all levels of education. Dr. India White’s Equity Counts Book collaboration
offers powerful insights into how leaders—from classroom teachers to district administrators—can implement equitable practices. This book highlights how equity is more than just a classroom strategy; it’s a philosophy that can guide educational leadership at all levels. It calls for leadership that champions fairness and inclusion, recognizing the unique traits and potential of every learner as they choose to see them.
At every level, educational leaders can work to dismantle barriers that prevent students from reaching their full potential. By focusing on equitable practices and promoting the idea that every student has a unique strength to contribute, educators can foster a culture of care, respect, and excellence in math classrooms and beyond.
Conclusion
Choosing to see the unique traits of each student is one of the most powerful ways teachers can communicate that they care. By implementing equitable math practices and building relationships through inclusive strategies, teachers not only support academic success but also help students feel valued for who they are. Games like Mix and Mingle, Jigsaw, and Socratic Seminars can transform classrooms into spaces where every student is seen, heard, and given the opportunity to thrive. And with resources like Equity Counts, teachers and leaders alike can be empowered to implement practices that ensure all students succeed in mathematics, and beyond.
If you found the ideas in this blog inspiring and are interested in bringing equitable practices to your educational community, we would love to partner with you! Whether you're a school leader, university administrator, or part of an organization committed to fostering equity in education, we offer opportunities to collaborate.
You can invite us for speaking engagements, Equity Training, and Equity Consulting to help guide your team through the process of implementing equitable strategies, or purchase copies of EQUITY COUNTS!: Diversity and Inclusion for Success of All Learners to dive deeper into practical methods for cultivating fairness and inclusivity at all levels of leadership.
ο»ΏTogether, we can work toward building learning environments that truly value and support every student. Click the link to purchase your copy, and follow along as you listen to each expert on this YouTube video to learn more and take the next step in advancing equity in your institution.
Join us on the Let's Get Gritty Podcast with Dr. India White. On this show, we will repeat a show from the Grit and Equity talks Podcast with Dr. India White, where we walk through the recently released NAEP data from the National Report Card and speak about moving the needle forward. Listen on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/india-white3 #grit #equity #naep #drindiawhite #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #math #teachers #students
π Just wrapped up an incredible G.R.I.T. Training session with the amazing leaders from Imagine Schools! πͺβ¨ We took a deep dive into the G.R.I.T. framework, and I can't wait to see the results unfold! ππ #drindiawhite #grit #imagineschools #tedx #nctm #ncsm #bwxme π (I don’t own music copyright
Check out my Feb. 2025 Newsletter!
Thankful for Partnership and Recognition: A Shoutout to Dr. Matthew Joseph and X-Factor EDU Network I am incredibly thankful to partner with Dr. Matthew Joseph and the amazing leadership of the X-Factor EDU Network! It is truly an honor to collaborate with such a visionary leader who is dedicated to amplifying voices in education and creating spaces for impactful conversations. This month, I was deeply grateful to be mentioned in Dr. Joseph’s newsletter during Black History Month. His recognition means so much, not just for me, but for the work we are all doing to inspire and empower educators and students alike. You can check out the newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drmxj_stongertogether-activity-7291502796753809408-0zX3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAmqD2wBkz8Qc7EA0bvwxWyMJH2HykCUA-Y But beyond the shoutout, I’m even more excited about the opportunities ahead—including the chance to have a podcast on Dr. Joseph’s platform! Partnering with X-Factor EDU Network opens doors to share insights, engage in meaningful discussions, and continue championing grit, resilience, and equity in education. Thank you, Dr. Matthew Joseph, for your support, encouragement, and belief in this mission. Looking forward to what’s to come! π #StrongerTogether #GRIT #XFactorEDU #BlackHistoryMonth #EducationalLeadership #Thankful
Fired Up for FDLA/FAMTE Keynote: Let’s Build Grit Together! I’m beyond excited to take the stage as the keynote speaker at the FDLA/FAMTE Conference tomorrow! π€π₯ We’ll be diving deep into the power of G.R.I.T.—Great Resilience in Time—and how it transforms both educators and students. This opportunity means so much, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported this journey. Grit isn’t just a concept; it’s a movement. It’s about growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management, and it’s what drives success in the classroom and beyond. Let’s empower educators and students across the nation to push past obstacles and embrace productive struggle. Who’s ready to get gritty? πͺπΎ #Grit #DrIndiaWhite #TEDx #FDLA #FAMTE #Education #GrowthMindset
Had an Amazing Time at the Imagine Summit! I had a fantastic time speaking at the Imagine Summit on G.R.I.T.! ππ½ We engaged in powerful breakout sessions, had meaningful discussions about NAEP data, and explored strategies to build **growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management** in education. Thank you to everyone who participated and brought such great energy to the conversations! Let’s continue working together to bridge gaps and empower students through grit and perseverance. πͺπ½ #GRIT #ImagineSummit #Resilience #Education #GrowthMindset #EquityInEducation #drindiawhite
Building Grit in Teachers at the Imagine Leadership Summit I am beyond excited to be speaking at the Imagine Leadership Summit today, sharing insights on how we can build grit in teachers and empower them to foster resilience, self-efficacy, and growth in their students. π This summit is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with principals and education leaders who are committed to supporting and strengthening teachers. When we invest in teacher grit, we build stronger, more effective classrooms where students develop the perseverance to tackle challenges and achieve success. A huge thank you to the Imagine Summit leaders for this amazing opportunity! It’s an honor to be among such an outstanding lineup of speakers, including the incredible Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr. Join our sessions today and take GRIT with you—because when teachers grow in resilience, our students thrive! #GRIT #Teachers #Principals #DrIndiaWhite #NCTM #NCSM #ImagineSummit π
π What an incredible time at the ICTM conference in Indiana! The lineup was amazing, and the energy was contagious! π Since I missed the snow back in Florida, I embraced it fully here and made my very first snow angel! βοΈ So grateful for the fun and gritty spirit of the ICTM rockstars! Huge thanks to Angela and every rockstar for this fantastic opportunity! π #drindiawhite #grit #ictm25 #math #teachers #students #indiana #nctm #ncsm
β¨ Today’s Grit training at Stockton Unified was absolutely amazing! We had a fantastic time connecting with friends and meeting some incredible rockstars in California. π I can’t wait to see how gritty Stockton becomes! Huge thanks to Andrew and the tribe for the opportunity to train your amazing leaders. Let’s all take grit with us as we move forward! πͺ #Grit #Leadership #StocktonUnified #drindiawhite #tedx #nctm #ncsm #nabse
πSuper excited about this opportunity! Looking forward to connecting with these amazing leaders! π₯°π₯³π Please register below and let’s connect so we can bridge the achievement gap together! hashtag#drindiawhite hashtag#ncsm hashtag#grit hashtag#math hashtag#teachers