2025 MidSchoolMath National Conference

This session will begin with a short introduction to conceptual metaphor as a lens for thinking about mathematics teaching and learning. For example, our spatial understanding of up and down, along with our experiential understanding of stacks of objects, leads to a metaphor “up is more”, which we see in phrases like “above average” or “higher test score.” Drawing from this work, I will share some examples suggesting that metaphor is a normal part of teacher language in a math classroom, and that we can use metaphors strategically to improve student understanding.

Following the conceptual overview, we will play several counting games to find different patterns, leading to metaphors for variables, evaluating expressions and solving equations. During the games, specific teacher moves and mathematical extensions will be discussed, ensuring you can envision how this story and games can develop foundational algebraic ideas. You'll leave with an understanding of how to use this game with students, how elements of the game become metaphors for mathematical concepts, and how to involve game concepts into future math lessons.