Math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about discovery. At Breakwater School in Maine, Tom Fisher wants his students to wrestle with problems, embrace confusion, and find joy in solving them. Instead of rote memorization, his approach blends math with play, letting students explore real-world comparisons and patterns. Researchers argue this balance—structured instruction with room for experimentation—could make math more engaging and meaningful. But does play enhance learning, or does it risk sidelining essential skills? As schools rethink math instruction, the role of play is taking center stage.
If the clues are starting to add up, Daniel Mollenkamp unpacks the rest of it at EdSurge.
