Math Limerick Stories

     Mathematics teacher Josephine Johansen is a talented teacher who works to help her students LOVE mathematics.  Below are two stanzas from her illustrated tale, "The Algebra of Tree Wisdom" --written in limerick stanzas: 

Pat says "Say you put on your ring 

Then your necklace to you I bring 

Whichever you choose

To do first, you'll not lose

You'll still be dressed for your fling."

Pete adds "On the other hand

Putting shoes and socks on as planned

        Is not commutative

       Won’t switching order give

An outcome that would be unplanned."  

     To obtain a copy of Johansen's illustrated limerick tales"The Algebra of Tree Wisdom" and  "Ice Fountain Riddle" contact her at rootsofuniti_at_gmail_dot_com.

     These next lines are the opening stanza of "Math Dust" -- a poem by Johansen sharing some attitudes about teaching mathematics -- and found in its entirety here.

          Math Dust

          Formula regurgitation 
          Explains why this nation
          Is mathematically deficient
          A child learns what they need
          To temporarily succeed
          Passing the test seems sufficient.            For the rest of this poem go here