Making Math a Delight with Denise Gaskins

Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

In this episode, I sit down with Denise Gaskins, math educator and author, to talk about how we can transform math from a dreaded subject into something joyful and engaging. Denise shares why so many homeschoolers struggle with math and how shifting our approach can make a huge difference.

She encourages parents to make math playful through games, storytelling, and real-life problem-solving. Whether you have a math-loving child or one who resists every lesson, Denise’s insights will help you bring curiosity and creativity into your homeschool math routine.

Tune in for practical strategies to build math confidence and make learning more enjoyable for the whole family!

Key Takeaways:

• Math Should Be Playful – Learning math through games, puzzles, and real-life applications makes it more engaging and less intimidating for kids.
• Ditch the Memorization-Only Approach – Understanding why math works is more valuable than rote memorization. Encourage exploration instead of just drilling facts.
• Use Stories to Teach Math – Turning math problems into narratives or real-world situations makes them more meaningful and relatable for kids.
• Encourage Mathematical Thinking – Instead of giving answers right away, ask your kids questions like “What do you think?” or “How else could we solve this?”
• It’s Okay to Change Your Approach – If a curriculum isn’t working, try something new! Hands-on learning, different resources, or adjusting your teaching style can make a big difference.Focus on Confidence, Not Just Correct Answers – Helping kids feel comfortable making mistakes and thinking through problems builds long-term math success.
• Math Doesn’t Have to Be a Daily Battle – Shift the focus from completing worksheets to fostering curiosity and discovery.

Links and Resources:

• Homeschool Better Together Free Community
• Denise Gaskins Website
• Denise Gaskins' Blog
• Denise Gaskins Playful Math Store
• The "If Not Methods" blog Series
• My Math Journaling Adventures Kickstarter

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt32

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.