Play, Curiosity, and the Joy of Math with Dan Finkel

What if math could feel like play?

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Finkel, founder of Math for Love and creator of Prime Climb and Tiny Polka Dot, to talk about how curiosity, play, and productive struggle can transform the way we teach — and experience — mathematics.

Dan reminds us that math isn’t just about right answers — it’s about wonder, exploration, and discovery. When we start with questions instead of answers, we invite students into the kind of thinking that builds lasting understanding and joy.

This episode is sponsored by Clixo, the remarkable STEAM toy for makerspaces, elementary classrooms, and homes. Check out my recent review of Clixo.

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Key Takeaways for Teachers

1. Start with Questions, Not Answers.
Instead of beginning with formulas, start with a puzzle or curiosity hook. When students ask “why?” or “how?”, they’re engaged — and that engagement becomes the fuel for deep learning.

2. Make Math Feel Like Play.
Play isn’t a distraction — it’s the pathway to learning. Dan shares how open-ended challenges, games, and exploration can make students want to “stay in at recess” to keep solving problems.

3. Encourage Productive Struggle.
The “aha!” moment only happens after a bit of challenge. When we normalize struggle as a natural part of learning, we empower students to see themselves as problem-solvers.

4. Show That Math Is Still an Unfinished Story.
There are mysteries left to explore! When students realize that math isn’t a closed book, but a living, creative field — they start to see themselves as mathematicians, not just test-takers.

5. Keep the Human in Math.
Even in an age of AI, nothing replaces a teacher’s ability to notice, guide, and inspire. As Dan puts it: “Teaching will be one of the last professions to be automated — because it’s deeply human.

👨‍🏫 About Dan Finkel

Dan Finkel is the Founder of Math for Love, a Seattle-based organization devoted to transforming how math is taught and learned. Dan develops curriculum, leads teacher workshops, and gives talks on mathematics and education nationally and internationally.

Dan’s curriculum has been used by thousands of students, and is known for its combination of rigor and play. The math games he co-created with his wife, Katherine Cook, have won over 20 awards. They include Prime Climb, the beautiful, colorful, mathematical board game, and Tiny Polka Dot, the colorful math game for children.

Learn more: MathForLove.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”