The Power of Culture in the Math Classroom!
India White • July 1, 2023
The Power of Culture in the Math Classroom!
The Power of Culture in the Math Classroom
Mathematics is a subject that is often viewed as abstract and disconnected from the real world. Many students struggle to see the relevance of math in their daily lives, which can lead to disengagement and a lack of interest in the subject. However, by incorporating cultural elements into the math classroom, teachers can help students connect math to their own experiences and backgrounds, making the subject more meaningful and engaging. Need an example? Consider talking about Lebron James shooting hoops on the basketball court and watch to see how many students of diverse backgrounds will perk up during a bell work activity.
Culture has been a powerful tool for connecting students to math. Studies have shown that students of diverse backgrounds feel more connected during their learning when their culture is a part of the learning process due to the sense of belonging that comes along with it. If you want to take your classroom from being strictly about math where students might yawn out of a lack of relevance and connection, to the engaged class where students steal the moment of instruction from you, consider incorporating cultures of your learners into your instructional delivery!
Here are four ways that teachers can use culture to help students connect math in the classroom:
1. Use Culturally Relevant Examples to Connect Students to Real World
When teaching math concepts, use examples that are relevant to your students' cultures and experiences. For example, if you are teaching fractions, use examples of traditional foods that are divided into fractions, such as pizza or pie. However, don’t just limit the type of pie to the traditional pies of the nation. Try to find out from learners what other types of pie or dishes that are served in similar shapes can you highlight during instruction so they can have a sense of pride in their culture while learning. This will help students see the relevance of math in their own lives and make the subject more relatable.
Once students make the connection, it will spike a sense of engagement, which will also contribute to stronger relationships created between student and teacher and peer-to-peer while learning.
2. Incorporate Cultural Artifacts and Mathematicians into Instruction
Incorporating cultural artifacts into the math classroom can help students connect math to their own cultures. . For example, if you are teaching geometry, you could create a project on and use traditional patterns from Egyptians, Grecians, and other cultural groups to teach about various elements of geometric figures, i.e. area and surface area of right square pyramids, etc. Further, you can highlight the mathematicians of those ages and embrace the moment of history that respects the sense of genius that existed from leaders who built the pyramids in Africa, to Greek Mathematicians and beyond. Students will have the opportunity to embrace the revelation behind the beauty and relevance of math in different cultures. Once this happens, when a student reads another complex math problem about pyramids, they can enjoy the opportunity to imagine those leaders in action as they take on the metacognitive approach towards comprehension and proficiency.
3. Implement Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies with Fidelity
Culturally responsive teaching strategies are teaching methods to students intentionally designed to meet the needs of diverse learners. By using these strategies, teachers can create a classroom environment that is inclusive and welcoming to their students in a way that celebrates their culture, language, and way of life.
For instance, educators can use cooperative learning strategies that encourage students to work together while sharing various components of their cultural backgrounds during group work, partner work and beyond. Teachers can assign projects via project-based learning activities that will incorporate ideas that welcome culture and diverse experiences
within the math space. For instance, being intentional to welcome all cultures on a group project for Pi Day (March 14th), and empowering student voice such that all cultural groups are not only made to feel welcome but are discussed in the math curriculum and during instructional delivery and during mathematical discourse from ALL learners. This will help eliminate moments of awkward silence that exists when students are presented with a culture, they aren’t familiar with. It will break down walls that exist within social engagement and help students respect and empathize with peers who are different from them as they get to know them and their unique differences.
4. Celebrate Cultural Diversity Among Learners!
Celebrating cultural diversity that exists within the math classroom is imperative for helping learners of various ethnic groups feel valued and respected. Teachers can find out background information of their students and follow up with efforts to connect their cultures by incorporating cultural celebrations and holidays into their math lessons, such Black History Month, Cinco De Mayo, Chinese New Year, Kwanza, or other holidays. This will help students see the connections between math and their own cultures, and various cultures of their peers. When cultural diversity is achieved appropriately, students will defend the cultures of their peers as much as they defend their own culture and will understand the value of cherishing everyone as a part of the human race. One way you can demonstrate a celebration of cultures is by hanging up various flags of your students’ culture groups across the classroom. Further, you can get the community involved and invite parents and community stakeholders into your classroom to talk about great components of their culture, language and various holidays that might be overlooked or unknown. As cultural diversity is implemented, and relationships are established, respect is enhanced, and students will be willing to support and protect the learning environment. This will lead to a true culture of learning that can be felt and embraced in the math classroom by the students, teachers and administrators who stop by to support. Further, students will trust taking a risk in this environment because they will be convinced that not only do they belong, but their voices are heard and valued.
Conclusion
In conclusion, culture being infused in the math classroom is a significant and powerful tool for connecting students to math in the classroom. This will help cultivate a desire for math and real-world connections beyond the classroom. By using culturally relevant examples, incorporating cultural artifacts, diverse mathematicians, using culturally responsive teaching strategies, and celebrating cultural diversity among learners, teachers can help students see the relevance of math in their own lives and make math more relevant and engaging. Embrace the power of culture
in your math classroom and watch your classroom come alive like never
before!
How to Find and Keep a Good Man — The Workbook Now on Amazon I am excited to announce the official launch of my newest workbook, How to Find and Keep a Good Man, now available on Amazon! This workbook was written to empower women of faith to grow in wisdom, discernment, and self-worth as they navigate relationships in today’s world. Whether you are single, dating, or preparing for marriage, this guide will help you build a strong foundation rooted in biblical principles, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence. Why I Wrote This Workbook Through my years of ministry, mentoring, and personal experience, I’ve seen countless women struggle with finding balance between faith, love, and self-respect. Many desire godly relationships but face challenges such as broken trust, poor communication, or settling for less than God’s best. This workbook was designed as a practical companion to my book How to Find and Keep a Good Man. It provides tools for healing, growth, and clarity so that women can walk confidently in God’s purpose for their relationships. Each chapter includes: *Scriptures to guide your faith walk * Reflections and journaling prompts for personal insight *Prayers and affirmations to strengthen your spirit * Action steps to apply biblical wisdom to real-life relationships What You’ll Discover In this workbook, you’ll explore topics such as: * The difference between a good man and a godly man * How to identify red flags before it’s too late * Building emotional maturity and setting healthy boundaries * How to become the woman God created you to be * Keys to sustaining love, respect, and trust over time Each activity and reflection helps you deepen your relationship with God and prepare your heart for the right partnership — one that honors Him and brings peace, not pain. A Journey of Faith, Grit, and Grace This project ties beautifully into my G.R.I.T. framework — Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Finding and keeping a good man requires growth, emotional resilience, confidence in your worth, and the discipline to wait on God’s timing. Through faith and grit, you can attract not just love, but lasting, purposeful connection. Available Now The How to Find and Keep a Good Man Workbook is now available on Amazon . Whether you’re doing this study alone, with a small group, or in a women’s ministry, this resource will help you reflect, heal, and prepare for the love God has for you. ( https://www.amazon.com/)
🚨 Exciting news! 📚 Our books have finally arrived, and orders are being shipped out! A huge thank you to the school districts and educators who have supported us by ordering their copies! 🙌 If you haven't grabbed yours yet, now's the time to get it! Don't miss out! Link- https://a.co/d/a6m9xoC ✨ hashtag#nctm hashtag#ncsm hashtag#drindiawhite hashtag#teachers hashtag#grit hashtag#Tedx
G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs: Strengthening Faith and Endurance in the Marketplace Faith and entrepreneurship are not separate journeys—they are deeply intertwined. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs is a faith-driven guide designed to help believers walk boldly in their calling as business leaders, visionaries, and kingdom builders. Authored by Dr. India White, this workbook combines biblical principles with her signature G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to empower Apostolic entrepreneurs to endure, overcome, and finish strong. Rooted in the Word of God, this workbook reminds readers that entrepreneurship is not just about profit but about purpose. Through prayer, perseverance, and discipline, Apostolic entrepreneurs can honor God with their work while transforming communities and demonstrating Christlike leadership. Each page of this workbook points believers back to Jesus—the ultimate example of endurance and grace under pressure. In this workbook, entrepreneurs will explore how faith fuels vision, how adversity refines purpose, and how resilience develops through trials. It teaches how to balance ministry and business, stay grounded in prayer, and maintain spiritual integrity while navigating competitive markets. The workbook’s exercises encourage readers to apply Scripture to real-world challenges—aligning business decisions with godly wisdom and spiritual discernment. Each section integrates powerful themes: • Growth Mindset – Renewing the mind daily through the Word and trusting God’s process • Resilience – Overcoming trials by remembering God’s promises and grace • Self-Efficacy – Believing you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you • Time Management – Stewarding time as a divine resource for kingdom impact The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs serves as a devotional and strategic planner in one. It helps readers reflect, plan, and act with spiritual confidence, knowing that God has called them to be lights in the marketplace. It emphasizes that entrepreneurship, when aligned with the Apostolic faith, becomes an act of worship—a testimony of God’s power to prosper His people and sustain them through adversity. This workbook also includes journaling prompts, faith declarations, and vision-building activities that help believers overcome doubt and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith. It encourages readers to endure to the end, to remain steadfast, and to let perseverance finish its work, just as Scripture commands. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs will soon be available on Amazon. Visit www.india-white.com for updates, ministry resources, and information on G.R.I.T. Academy’s faith-based leadership programs. With Jesus as the foundation, grit becomes more than endurance—it becomes divine strength in action. Let this workbook guide you in building a business that glorifies God, uplifts others, and equips you to endure until the end.
G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs: Building Resilience and Vision in Business The journey of entrepreneurship is full of challenges, uncertainty, and opportunity. To succeed, entrepreneurs need more than talent or strategy—they need grit. That’s why the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs was created. Designed by Dr. India White, this new resource equips business leaders, innovators, and founders with practical tools to build perseverance, mental toughness, and long-term success. Available on Amazon , this workbook helps entrepreneurs develop the habits and mindset necessary to thrive in today’s demanding business landscape. It is based on Dr. White’s powerful G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—which has transformed lives in classrooms, boardrooms, and leadership settings across the nation. The workbook walks readers through self-assessments, reflection exercises, and guided strategies that strengthen mental stamina and leadership capacity. Each chapter encourages deep introspection and action, helping entrepreneurs embrace growth through challenges. From managing time effectively to cultivating resilience during setbacks, this workbook provides an organized, faith-centered approach to success that aligns values with vision. Inside the workbook, entrepreneurs will find tools such as personal grit trackers, resilience maps, goal-setting templates, and strategic planning pages that link passion to performance. Dr. White’s coaching prompts guide readers to develop self-efficacy—believing in their ability to make things happen—while maintaining balance and emotional clarity in leadership. For those building startups or managing established businesses, this workbook helps refine focus, strengthen leadership habits, and increase motivation. It reminds every entrepreneur that sustainable success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s forged through perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Soon available on Amazon, the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs is more than a guide; it’s a companion for your business journey. Visit www.india-white.com for updates, training opportunities, and resources from G.R.I.T. Academy that will help you elevate your leadership, strengthen your mindset, and achieve lasting results. Great Resilience in Time—that’s the foundation of every successful entrepreneur. Prepare to build your legacy with grit, purpose, and perseverance.
Introducing the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees — Cultivating Resilience, One Page at a Time I’m thrilled to share news of a powerful new resource that’s about to hit the shelves — the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees, designed around Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework. This workbook is specifically created for students working with mentors, helping them develop grit and resilience through reflection, accountability, and growth. While the workbook will soon be available on Amazon, here’s an inside look at what makes it special, why it matters, and how mentors and mentees can use it together. Why a Workbook for Mentees? Mentorship changes lives, but it works best when mentees are equipped to take ownership of their personal growth. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees bridges that gap by providing structured tools to build resilience and self-efficacy throughout the mentorship journey. It offers: * A clear roadmap for personal growth and reflection * Practical exercises for goal-setting and perseverance * Tools to track progress and measure growth over time * Prompts for deeper mentor–mentee discussions This workbook helps mentees turn challenges into opportunities and equips mentors with strategies to nurture lasting confidence and determination. Understanding Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework At the heart of this workbook lies Dr. India White’s signature G.R.I.T. framework — Great Resilience in Time. The framework teaches students how to thrive through four key pillars: Growth Mindset– Believing abilities can improve through effort and learning Resilience – Bouncing back from adversity stronger than before Self-Efficacy– Believing in one’s ability to accomplish tasks and goals Time Management– Using time wisely to achieve success Dr. White’s framework has been implemented in schools, leadership trainings, and G.R.I.T. Academy programs nationwide. The mentee workbook adapts these proven strategies into personalized activities designed to strengthen the mentor–mentee connection and support personal transformation. What’s Inside the Workbook Each section of the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees is interactive and designed to make learning active and reflective. | Section | Purpose | How to Use It | |Self-Assessment | Identifies mentee’s current strengths and areas for growth | Use during first sessions to set a baseline | |Goal Setting & Reflection| Helps mentees develop SMART goals and revisit progress | Reflect weekly and discuss during check-ins | |G.R.I.T. Modules | Deep dives into Growth, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management | Complete together or independently between sessions | |Challenges & Activities | Hands-on projects to practice perseverance | Mentors assign or co-design activities | Progress Tracking | Allows mentees to visualize their growth over time | Review regularly to celebrate milestones | The workbook ensures that each mentoring session becomes meaningful, measurable, and motivating. Benefits for Mentees and Mentors Mentees will: * Strengthen their confidence and self-discipline * Learn how to turn setbacks into comebacks * Set clear, attainable goals for personal and academic growth * Develop stronger reflection and problem-solving habits Mentors will: * Gain structured tools for meaningful sessions * Foster deeper conversations that go beyond surface-level topics * See measurable growth in their mentees over time * Cultivate a shared language around perseverance and purpose Grab a Copy on Amazon The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees will soon be available on Amazon for mentors, coaches, and educators nationwide. This workbook serves as a companion to Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentors and aligns with her ongoing mission to build grit and resilience in every student. To get ready for launch: 1. Watch Dr. India White’s TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit. 2. Visit www.india-white.com for updates on release dates and resources. 3. Connect with Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Academy for mentoring tools, training, and online courses. Final Thoughts The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees isn’t just a book—it’s a movement toward empowerment, growth, and lasting change. It gives mentees a voice, a plan, and the courage to persevere through life’s challenges. Stay tuned for the Amazon launch announcement, and prepare to empower the next generation of students to rise with Great Resilience in Time.
1 am excited to share that I will be a featured speaker at the NCTM 2025 Conference alongside the amazing John SanGiovanni. Together, we’ll explore the power of grit and productive struggle in the mathematics classroom—two essential ingredients for deep and lasting learning. John SanGiovanni will share his expertise on productive struggle, focusing on how teachers can design meaningful math experiences that challenge students to think critically, reason deeply, and persevere through complex problems. His work emphasizes that learning happens not when math is easy, but when students engage in struggle that leads to understanding and growth. In my portion of the session, I’ll discuss building grit through the G.R.I.T. Framework; Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Drawing from my G.R.I.T. Workbook for Educators, I’ll share practical tools and strategies educators can use to help students embrace challenges with confidence and persistence. By connecting grit to productive struggle, we can empower students to develop both the mindset and skills they need to overcome obstacles and achieve success in mathematics and beyond. I look forward to connecting with fellow educators at NCTM 2025 as we explore how to inspire perseverance, confidence, and a love for learning through grit and productive struggle.
I am thrilled to announce that I will be a featured speaker at the NCTM 2025 Conference alongside the incredible Dr. Shelly Jones, Room 406. As TEDx speakers, Dr. Jones and I are uniting our passions for mathematics, equity, and purpose-driven teaching in our session titled Building Grit Through Culturally Relevant Math Tasks. Dr. Shelly Jones will share powerful insights from her book Culturally Relevant Math Tasks to Engage All Learners, which emphasizes how educators can connect mathematical concepts to students’ cultural experiences and lived realities. Her work highlights the importance of inclusion, representation, and authentic learning experiences that empower every student to see themselves as capable mathematicians. In my portion of the session, I will focus on Building Grit through the G.R.I.T. Framework—which stands for Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Through this framework, I will share strategies from my *G.R.I.T. Workbook for Educators* to help teachers cultivate perseverance and confidence in students as they navigate challenging math tasks. The goal is to help students not only solve problems but also believe they can thrive through productive struggle and perseverance. Together, Dr. Jones and I aim to inspire educators to blend cultural reasoning with resilience-building practices—creating classrooms where students’ identities and determination are celebrated equally. I’m excited to connect with passionate educators at NCTM 2025 and share how we can all build grit, equity, and excellence in math education.
🌟 Exciting news! I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking at NCSM! 🎉 Join me for two informative sessions: 📚 402 How to Build a Gritty Thinking Classroom through Equity and Collaboration 🗓️ Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ⏰ 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 📖 403 Equity Counts: Implementing Equitable Practices Across All Leadership Levels 🗓️ Monday, October 13, 2025 ⏰ 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. I’m ready to bridge the gap and give away door prizes, including my new book: Effective Teaching Practices Every Teacher Must Know! Don’t miss out! #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #equity #parity NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics EducationNCTM - National Council of Teachers of MathematicsShelly M. JonesYolande Beckles
✨ Exciting October Update! ✨ I’m thrilled to share that my October Newsletter is live! This month, I’m honored to be speaking at both NCTM and NCSM—two powerful opportunities to connect with educators nationwide about building G.R.I.T. (Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management) and closing the achievement gap. 💡 I’m so grateful for the incredible teachers and leaders who continue to inspire and partner with me. Thank you for the work you do every day to make an impact in the lives of students! Check out the newsletter and explore resources here: 👉 www.india-white.com Let’s keep building grit and creating equity in education—together. 💪📚✏️
Building Grit in Our Elementary Math Communities This week I had the privilege of hosting an **Elementary Math Chat on BlueSky**, where educators from across the nation gathered to talk about one of my favorite topics: the **power of grit** in our classrooms and communities. The energy, collaboration, and passion from teachers, leaders, and math coaches reminded me once again of why this work matters. Why Grit in Math? We started by examining the latest NAEP data, which paints a sobering picture of how our students are performing in mathematics. While test scores often highlight areas of struggle, they also invite us as educators to ask a deeper question: How can we better equip our students to persist through challenges? This is where the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—becomes a game-changer. Exploring the G.R.I.T. Framework During the chat, educators reflected on how grit shows up in their classrooms: Growth Mindset helps students believe they can learn math, even when it feels difficult. Resilience gives students the courage to keep trying when a solution isn’t clear right away. Self-Efficacy instills confidence that “I can solve problems if I keep working at them.” Time Management reminds students that persistence requires discipline and prioritization. Together, these pillars equip students to face not only academic challenges but also life’s challenges with courage and determination. G.R.I.T. Games and Assessments We also discussed two practical tools for teachers to bring grit alive in the math classroom: G.R.I.T. Games : Engaging activities that give students the chance to practice perseverance in fun, low-stakes ways while still reviewing math concepts. G.R.I.T. Assessment: A reflective tool for students to evaluate their own growth in grit—identifying where they are strong and where they can build more perseverance. These resources empower both teachers and students to see grit not as an abstract concept, but as something real, measurable, and impactful. Grit Beyond the Classroom One of my favorite takeaways from the chat was hearing educators share how grit impacts not just math performance but also the wider school community. When students develop grit, they become more confident problem-solvers, more engaged learners, and more supportive peers. This mindset spreads beyond the classroom walls, creating resilient communities that thrive together. Moving Forward The Elementary Math Chat reminded us that teaching math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about nurturing resilient thinkers who can face challenges with determination. As we continue to share strategies, reflect on data, and support one another, I’m excited to see how grit will transform classrooms across the nation. Let’s keep the conversation going: together, we can ensure every student has the tools to persist, grow, and succeed. Dr. India White is a national speaker, math consultant, and author of the G.R.I.T. framework. For professional development, G.R.I.T. trainings, or speaking engagements, connect at www.india-white.com