032: Nurturing Curiosity in Math Education with Chepina Rumsey and Jody Guarino

In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Dr. Chepina Rumsey and Dr. Jody Guarino, authors of Nurturing Math Curiosity with Learners in Grades K–2. They unpack the power of student-driven inquiry in early math classrooms—and how curiosity, when nurtured, becomes the gateway to mathematical reasoning, identity, and joy.From classroom anecdotes involving first graders debating the relative “bigness” of five, to post-lesson reflections that changed teacher beliefs, this episode paints a hopeful and practical picture of what’s possible when teachers slow down, notice deeply, and let curiosity lead. Spoiler alert: The brilliance is already in the room. Our job? Make space for it.Perfect for teachers, instructional coaches, and anyone building math learning communities that celebrate wonder over worksheets.https://x.com/mathcuriosityK2https://www.solutiontree.com/free-resources/mathematics/nmc