Students often struggle to connect math with the real world. Word problems—a combination of words, numbers, and mathematical operations—can be a perfect vehicle to take abstract numbers off the page.

Across the country, educators continue to wrestle with big questions about math curricula. Two years ago, the California education board’s adoption of a long-gestating new math framework added more ...

Teachers can help ease the anxiety that many students feel with these strategies for creating joyful learning experiences.