Reading With Your Kids Author Interview: Alice Aspinall On “Everyone Can Learn Math”

Hello everyone,

In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids Podcast, we welcome a passionate high school mathematics teacher and a debut author Alice Aspinall of  “Everyone Can Learn Math“!!

Everyone Can Learn Math is an inspiring children’s book about applying a growth mindset to learning mathematics! it demonstrates that when faced with a difficult task, perseverance and grit are key, especially when dealing with math. Having a positive growth mindset enables to you accomplish tasks that you once believed were impossible. This book is a must-read for all families, especially ones with children!

About The Author

More About Everyone Can Learn Math

How do you approach a math problem that challenges you? Do you keep trying until you reach a solution? Or are you like Amy, who gets frustrated easily and gives up?

Amy is usually a happy and enthusiastic student in grade five who loves to dance, but she is struggling with a tough math assignment. She doesn’t think she is good at math because her classmates always get the answers faster than she does and sometimes she uses her fingers to help her count. Even though her mom tries to help her, Amy is convinced she just cannot do the math. She decides not to do the assignment at all since she thinks she wouldn’t do well anyway.

As Amy goes about her day, her experiences at ballet class, the playground, and gym class have her thinking back to how she gave up on her math assignment. She starts to notice that hard-work, practice, and dedication lead to success, thanks to her friends and teachers. She soon comes to understand that learning math is no different than learning any other skill in life. With some extra encouragement from her math teacher, a little help from her mom, and a new attitude, Amy realizes that she can do math!

Interview Talking Points & Questions:

• Everyone Can Learn Math was published last year and is doing wonderfully well. Tell us about the journey you have had publishing Everyone Can Learn Math and where the book is right now?  (02:30)
• What is it about Math that can really freak people out? (04:00)
• Jed shares a cute experience he had while trying to help his niece with physics  (05:00)
• “When we explain something out loud to others things happen in our brain that allows brain growth to occur we then gain further understanding”  (08:00)

• How can parents help their kids understand, and enjoy, maths? (10:11)

• Empowering parents to reflect upon and share their uses of mathematics in everyday life, so they can support their children’s mathematics learning. (12:00)
• Cool maths activities to help your child build confidence in Maths at the supermarket (20:30)

A big thank you to Alice Aspinall for joining us and for sharing her amazing book with us!

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Hope you have a wonderful day!