I’ve always wondered why we’re required to study math in school (and I'm a math teacher). Not just the basics, but algebra, geometry, functions, and more. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about why so many students struggle with it. Why doesn’t it always feel useful or relevant to their lives? Here’s the thing: math is more than numbers. It’s a full-on mental workout. Just like lifting weights builds your muscles, solving math problems builds your brain. When we study math, we’re not just memorizing formulas. We’re developing logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. We’re learning how to break down complex ideas into manageable steps. We’re practicing how to reason, how to stay focused through frustration, and how to find patterns. These are all skills that show up later in life, even if you’re not solving equations on a whiteboard. From decision-making and budgeting to technology and design, math shapes the way we see and interact with the world. The connections that form in the brain during math learning are deep and lasting, and they support thinking across every subject and situation. Even if a student never becomes a mathematician, the mental habits they build through math will stay with them. So the question isn’t whether math is useful. The question is how we can help students see its value and feel more confident building those brain muscles.
I will be working this year to help my students understand this or at least be open to this idea. It's my goal!
Sincerely,
Ms. Banuelos
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