What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of math? Maybe you might be thinking of concepts like fractions or decimals or even algebra? Maybe you might be thinking of math as something depressing which doesn’t make sense sometimes. Maybe you like it or maybe you don’t.
Now, try to imagine a math teacher who not only taught the class the concepts you need to know, but also sang them to you. Yes, a math teacher who sings math songs while playing his beloved guitar. Now, this may be hard to believe, but we actually have a wonderful math teacher like this in Gibbons: the one and only Mr. Pepe, the math teacher of the Yellow Team.
This teacher turns important math concepts into catchy songs so that students can remember them long after class ends. In this article, you will learn about this math teacher’s goal for his students and why he believes that math and music can go together.
Ice Breaker
When asked about what he might bring to a desert island, a calculator or a ukulele, Mr. Pepe confidently said that music wins. He said that with music, there is always a way to stay entertained. He said this with ease, suggesting that he does have a strong connection with music, though math is also something he likes.
From Bob Dylan to Order of Operations
Mr. Pepe said he started writing his first math song based on the math concept of the order of operations. Inspired by the tune, “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” the song helped students remember the correct order to solve math problems. “Sometimes,” he said, “songwriting starts off with a big math idea and then get matched to a favorite song, while other times a catchy tune comes first and then the math is carefully fit into the rhythm.”
Why Combine Math and Music?
“I love music,” the teacher said, “sometimes math lessons can feel a little dry.”
He believed that by adding music, lessons can be a little more active and lively. Songs help students connect with the material in a fun way. It has also been proven to work since previous students have said that during important tests such as the MCAS, the songs just popped into their head and helped them remember some concepts.
Student Reactions
Mr. Pepe said that students usually have a little bit of excitement and laughter while he sings and plays his song on his guitar. He said that when students listen carefully to his songs and understand the meaning, they gain confidence and they automatically feel solid. He said that it’s the biggest success of all.
If There Was an Album…
Mr. Pepe also has an album of all of his math songs with the title named “Variability” — a perfect name for a collection of creativity and numbers.
Is Math Scary?
Some students are nervous about math, but this teacher sees this subject differently. “Math is a language which is something needed for life.” He believes that the key is to teach it in a way that builds confidence instead of fear.
By blending rhythm with reasoning, Mr. Pepe proves that math isn’t something boring. Sometimes all it takes is the right tune to turn confusion into confidence.
