Designing for Diversity: Strategies for Embedding Mathematics in Out-of-school Programs for Children in the Elementary Grades

Abstract

Informal (out-of-school) education, with emphasis on local community and resources, can be particularly beneficial to children from non-dominant cultures. To support integration of more mathematics into such programs, we worked with informal educators based in public libraries (including librarians and after-school educators) to create and make available English and Spanish mathematics activities that they could embed in their daily work with children. We discuss self-reported impacts on informal educators’ math-related attitudes, beliefs, and professional practices.