Abstract
This 90-minute workshop shares several aspects of an innovative interdisciplinary college course, Pattern Play,
that links mathematics and dance to meet creative arts and quantitative literacy requirements. Participants will: 1)
Engage in two open-ended movement activities – Giant Tangrams and Hustling Graph – that introduce geometry,
algebra, and dance concepts as well as the broader theme of kinesthetic and arts-based learning, 2) Learn how the
creative discovery process can be used to form an atmosphere of experimentation and play that can positively
affect student attitudes about mathematics, dance and learning, and 3) Learn how strategies such as movement,
breath control, and reframing/redesigning assignments help students identify and cope with learning anxiety.
