PERTS Elevate Resource Library

Math Celebrations

Invite students to write brief shoutouts celebrating the growth, progress, learning, and support of their peers.

Grades 6-8, 9-12 Math Video · 1:16

Overview

Math Celebrations is a simple but impactful strategy that cultivates a classroom culture of encouragement, recognition, and growth. This practice invites students to reflect on the mathematical progress of their peers, as well as their own, and to publicly acknowledge these successes in a positive and visible way. Whether it's mastering a challenging concept, demonstrating persistence, or supporting others, these moments are surfaced through brief student-written "shoutouts" that are displayed in the classroom or shared aloud. When done consistently Math Celebrations becomes a regular part of the classroom routine, helping students see that progress in math is something to be noticed and celebrated over time, not just once.

Through this practice you will be able to:

  • Foster a supportive and inclusive classroom community.
  • Support student engagement and motivation.
  • Encourage students through small wins.
  • Promote enjoyment in math and boost student confidence.

Materials

  • Small slips of paper or sticky notes for shoutouts
  • A dedicated space on the wall or bulletin board (e.g., "Math Wins Wall" or "Celebration Station")
  • Writing utensils
  • (Optional) Envelopes, bins, or folders for collecting shoutouts before posting

Day Before Prep (~55 min)

  1. Design the Celebration Board (20-30 minutes): Ensure the wall or board space is ready with a title or signage. This space should remain in view for students throughout the duration of their time in your class.

  2. Prepare Materials (5-10 minutes): Cut paper slips or set out sticky notes for students to use to document their celebrations and shoutouts. You may also want to provide some sentence starters for students, especially the first few times you use this practice. The Shoutout Slip Template could be a good place to start.

  3. Create Examples (5-10 minutes): Create and display a few model shoutouts (anonymized or teacher-written) to set the tone and show students how detailed their shoutouts should be.

  4. Decide on Shoutout Format (5 minutes): Decide whether shoutouts will be anonymous or signed, and prepare a brief explanation for students.

    If you choose to give your students the option to create statements that are either anonymous or signed, here is sample language to help frame the activity:

    "You'll have the option to write your name on your math celebration shoutout or keep it anonymous. Both choices are totally okay! The goal is to recognize growth and effort in a way that feels comfortable for you. What matters most is that we celebrate each other and ourselves for the hard work we're putting into math."

  5. Pros & Cons for Each Submission Type:

    • Anonymous
      • Pros: Lower barrier to participation, reduces social pressure, promotes equity
      • Cons: Less personal connection, potential for less thoughtful or less accountable submissions, harder to build a culture of peer recognition
    • Signed
      • Pros: Builds classroom relationships, encourages ownership, promotes accountability and sincerity, encourages peer-to-peer appreciation
      • Cons: May discourage shy students from participating, potential for popularity bias, fear of being singled out

Conducting the Practice (~25 min)

  1. Introduce the Routine (5 minutes): Explain to students that they'll take a few minutes to write a math shoutout, either for themselves or a classmate, to recognize a moment of progress, effort, or contribution. Be sure to emphasize to students that this is a time to emphasize growth and learning, not just getting something right. It is helpful to model what a good shoutout sounds like so that the celebrations are more detailed than simply saying "Good job."

    Below you will find sample language of how to lead students through this practice and highlight the Math Affinity Learning Condition specifically:

    "Today you will have the chance to celebrate a moment of success, either your own or a classmate's. Maybe someone finally understood a tricky concept, showed persistence, learned a new skill, or helped a peer working on a tough problem. These moments, whether big or small, are all part of how we grow as math learners.

    You will write a quick shoutout to highlight one of these successes. We will post them on the board and share a few out loud.

    By recognizing progress we begin to enjoy the learning process more and build the confidence to keep going. This helps us create a classroom where everyone feels seen, supported, and motivated in math."

  2. Give Time to Write (3-5 minutes): Set aside 3–5 minutes (e.g., at the end of class, as a warm-up, or another consistent time) for students to write their shoutouts. Pass out the Shoutout Slip Template if you are using one.

  3. Collect or Post (5 minutes): Allow students to either post their notes directly to the Math Wins Wall or place them in a collection bin to be posted or read later.

  4. Highlight & Share (5-10 minutes): Optionally read a few shoutouts aloud or invite students to do so. Rotate selections to ensure variety and inclusion.

  5. Develop a Frequency of Completion: Maintain the routine to build consistency and classroom culture where students are excited to celebrate the progress of their peers.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Infrequent use: The power of the strategy lies in consistency. If it's only used sporadically, students may lose interest or forget its purpose.
  • Vague or insincere shoutouts: Model thoughtful, specific recognitions. "Good job!" isn't enough — help students identify and describe meaningful math progress.
  • Unbalanced participation: Ensure all students are acknowledged over time. Consider teacher-written shoutouts to spotlight quieter students if needed.
  • Overly competitive tone: Emphasize growth, effort, learning and collaboration, not necessarily correct answers or speed.

What to Look For

  • Students referencing each other's shoutouts in conversation
  • Reflections of student enjoyment and positive attitudes toward math
  • Increased classroom community and mutual encouragement
  • Participation from a broad range of students over time
  • More frequent peer support and collaboration during math tasks
  • Growing confidence in students, especially those who may previously have been reluctant math participants

This practice was developed in collaboration with WestEd.