Schoolwide News

Last week, I wrote about why girls are often underrepresented in mathematical fields. Today, I want to discuss practical steps we can take to show school-aged girls that math is for them. While boys and girls tend to rate math similarly in their younger years, significantly fewer girls take higher-level math in grades 11 and 12, and even fewer study it at university.

Several strategies can be used by educators to help girls feel more included in math, but parents also play a critical role at home, reinforcing that math is accessible and engaging for everyone.

While female family members often serve as key role models in encouraging girls to engage with math, male figures—such as fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and brothers—are just as important. It’s crucial that these male role models approach discussions about math in a positive and supportive way. Here are a few strategies families can use to boost girls' engagement with math:

Share Your Curiosity About Math

One of the most impactful things adults—especially women—can do is to show curiosity about math. Adults who struggle with math themselves may shy away from it, but when girls see women or older girls in their families avoiding math, they may internalize that avoidance. Instead, we can foster curiosity. Phrases like, “This is interesting! I haven’t seen it done this way before. Could you show me what you know?” can encourage girls to share their thoughts and feel more confident about math.

Acknowledge Unintentional Biases

It’s important to recognize that, despite our best intentions, we are all influenced by societal norms and biases. The Implicit Association Test (IAT) from Harvard University can reveal unconscious biases, including those related to gender and science. By becoming aware of these biases, we can make more intentional and fair decisions in how we talk to and encourage girls when it comes to math.

Encourage Creative Risk-Taking

Sharing ideas in class or at home can feel risky—what if the idea is wrong? Actively acknowledging and encouraging a girl’s bravery in sharing her thoughts fosters a more supportive environment. In my classroom, I encourage students to make conjectures, writing their ideas on the board and challenging the class to prove or disprove them. For example, students have proposed, “Every number divisible by 6 is also divisible by 3,” and “Any three points on a plane always form a triangle,” showing that both correct and incorrect ideas are valuable. At home, you can model this behavior by discussing math’s complexities, showing how to analyze mistakes, and encouraging perseverance.

By fostering a curious and supportive environment around math, we can help girls feel more included and empowered in this essential field. As parents and role models, embracing curiosity, recognizing biases, and encouraging risk-taking will create a culture that inspires girls to engage with math and succeed. Together, we can change the narrative and show our daughters that math truly is for everyone.