The September Math Reset: Approaches to Engage Learners for the Year Ahead

Whether your classroom is energized like Earth, Wind & Fire’s "September" or feeling the back-to-school fatigue of Green Day’s "Wake Me Up When September Ends," strong connections are key to a successful school year.

In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, we explore three practical Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approaches to build community, support diverse learners, and engage students from day one:

• Reflecting on Math Identity: Empowering students through math biographies, songs, or art (Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design).
• Instructional Triads: Using John SanGiovanni’s small-group framework to lower performance anxiety and support language learners.
• Modern Mathematicians: Showcasing inspiring real-world figures like John Urschel, Gladys West, and Lonnie Johnson so every student sees themselves in math.

Learn how to cultivate agency, foster peer collaboration, and build an inclusive math environment from the start!