Making Math a Definition of the Situation: Families as Sites for Mathematical Practices

Abstract

We present three cases showing families' competence in mathematical problem solving as a practical aspect of daily life. At home, parents and children engaged creatively in solving math‐relevant problems. They used a combination of everyday practices and school forms, but generally did not recognize mathematics in their problem solving. The findings invite new forms of participation that bring families into discussions of math‐relevant situations and relates them to their children's school math. [families, math, ethnography, daily practices, math in context]