NEW: Online Teacher Training is Here! - Learn More →

AboutWhat is Moving through Math?

Looking for exciting ways to transform mathematics education?





Moving Through Math is a PreK-Grade 5 arts integration STEM program that teaches math concepts through music, dance, and dramatic play. The program has five pillars, with each pillar developing specific mathematical habits of mind. For example, music helps students understand pattern and structure, the building blocks of mathematics. Drama invites students to practice speaking and listening as they enact mathematical situations. And creative movement develops the spatial reasoning needed to master geometry. These teaching strategies move students beyond rote memorization to develop conceptual thinking in mathematics.

Moving Through Math offers a complete mathematics curriculum in Pre-K and Kindergarten. Teaching conceptually in the early years lays a foundation of mathematical thinking that lasts a lifetime. The MTM Pre-K and Kindergarten curriculum is language based and specifically develops analysis, creativity, collaboration, and executive function skills.

For grades 1-5 Moving Through Math offers supplemental math lessons that target key math concepts such as place value, skip counting, and multiplication. MTM is fully aligned with NCTM Process Standards and Common Core Math Standards and Practices.



Research Study Paper | Moving Through Math

This Moving Through Math research study shows that arts integrated STEM lessons provide high rigor and deep engagement that support struggling learners and offer creative opportunities for accelerated students. It is the only program that enhances conceptual knowledge through the integration of movement, social learning, discussion, and reflection. Researchers found that terms like engagement and excitement were not typically associated with elementary mathematics; however, both make learning math natural and less aversive for students.
Moving Through Math lessons are directed to alleviate that discrepancy.

Download our Research Paper


The 5 Pillars of Moving Through Math

Music and Movement

1: Patterns in Music, Dance, and Mathematics

Pattern Foundations is a children’s STEM program that teaches how patterns form the building blocks of all mathematics. Students deeply analyze the patterns of counting, addition, multiplication, fractions, and more. Then kids look for those same pattern structures in music and dance. Through this process, students discover math patterns everywhere in the world around them!

LEARN MORE
Drama

2: Grouping Games for Teaching the Language of Mathematics

In the Grouping Games arts integration program, children plan, rehearse and perform mathematical situations to develop fluency with the Language of Math. Students develop collaboration skills working together in small groups. Children build confidence and responsibility performing for the class. And kids enthusiastically create unique scenarios that bring to life the Language of Math.

LEARN MORE
Storytelling

3: Moving Through Math
Toy Stories

Moving Through Math Toy Stories is an arts integration program where children use voice, gesture, and facial expression to bring mathematical tales to life. Young students manipulate small toys and found objects while telling stories with embedded math concepts. Through story telling and story mapping, students discover the foundations of math.

LEARN MORE
Visual Literacy

4: What Do You See? Math Talks

Students look at pictures or objects and describe what they see, learning how to use math terms to describe the mathematical elements of every situation. Kids start by taking turns coming to the board and sharing everything they notice. As the teacher gradually introduces math terms, students refine their observations, slowly zeroing in on the mathematics of the situation.

LEARN MORE
Creative Movement

5: Spatial & Geometric Concepts

In this arts integration STEM program children use creative movement to explore geometry. Learning moves off the page and into the children’s minds and bodies when they physically flip and rotate lines and shapes through space. Research shows that creative movement adds a powerful dimension to the development of spatial reasoning!

LEARN MORE

About Moving Through Math

Marcia Daft

Marcia drew from her backgrounds in music, education, and engineering to create Moving Through Math.

learn more
Moving Through Math Store

Our products will inspire you and your children to think creatively and have fun with math!

learn more
News, Reviews & Awards

This unique approach to teaching math receives accolades from parents, teachers, school districts, and arts organizations.

learn more