Curious Kids in the Math Classroom

What if math class sparked wonder instead of worry? What if every student saw themselves as a curious, capable math learner?

Curious Kids in the Math Classroom invites elementary teachers to reimagine the math classroom as a space of exploration and joyful discovery. Rooted in Zak Champagne’s real classroom experiences, this book helps educators cultivate communities of curious kids and create spaces where every child has a meaningful place in the learning.

Each chapter blends classroom stories with practical strategies (called curiosity practices) designed to center student thinking and elevate curiosity. From embracing open-ended routines to making space for unfinished ideas, the book offers actionable tools that support deep engagement, rich mathematical reasoning, and student voice. Educators will find practical routines and tasks as well as implementation tips to help bring these ideas to life.

Curious Kids in the Math Classroom challenges the traditional view of math class as a place to learn a series of rules to follow and instead celebrates it as a place of wonder, sense making, and curiosity.

Curiosity is at the heartbeat of a meaningful math experience, and every student deserves the opportunity to be genuinely curious in math class!