The activity of actively doing math (mentally, verbally, visually, kinesthetically, and in writing).
Mathing is what happens when we engage with math, when we are working through math. It covers every way a person can actively think and reason mathematically: in their head, out loud, through drawings and diagrams, through physical movement, and on paper.
The five modes of mathing are:
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Mentally — working through a problem in your head
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Verbally — talking through math out loud, explaining reasoning, or discussing with others
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Visually — using diagrams, number lines, graphs, or pictures to represent ideas
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Kinesthetically — using physical objects, manipulatives, or movement to explore math
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In writing — recording steps, equations, or explanations on paper
Most students have a mode that feels most natural to them, but solid math understanding comes from being able to move across all five.
Mathing is not a formal academic term, but a word that captures something real and important: math is not a spectator activity. The more actively students engage with it, the deeper their understanding grows.
When Do Students Learn About Mathing?
Mathing begins the moment a student starts engaging with math, and it never stops.
Grades K–2 – Mathing Through Play and Exploration
Young students math through counting, sorting, building, drawing, and talking about quantities. All five modes are active from the very beginning.
Grades 3–8 – Mathing Across Modes
As content grows more complex, students benefit from consciously using multiple modes, drawing a diagram, talking through a proof, or building an equation physically, to deepen understanding.
Grades 9+ – Mathing at the Highest Levels
Advanced students math through formal writing, abstract reasoning, verbal justification, and visual modeling — all five modes remain essential even in the most challenging coursework.
