In Let’s Go Mathing!, a group of five-year-olds hop on the bus for a fun and educational field trip to Math College.
At Math College, Ms. Math (Rachel R. McAnallen) introduces the children to the mathematical concept of “the threeness of three.” An educator, author and founding member of Math Channel, McAnallen uses creative and effective teaching methods to help children explore mathematical concepts and ideas in a positive and stimulating environment.
This co-production of CPTV and Math Channel was taped at the CPTV Studio in Hartford, Connecticut, and at Florence E. Smith School of Science, Math & Technology in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Let’s Go Mathing! is sponsored by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., with additional support from United Technologies, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and Alstom Power.
Ms. Math’s 10-year-old assistant, played by Connecticut resident Molly Chiffer, and Pythagoras Pig (Pi the Pig for short), played by Mary Harris, help make learning math a fun adventure for everyone. Molly, who plans to follow in her mentor’s footsteps and become a mathematician, serves as a role model for young children, particularly girls. Pi the Pig models a child who loves to learn and is not afraid to ask questions or to be perceived as silly – making it easier for kids in the classroom and at home to embrace a love of learning as well.
The show’s guiding premise is a quote by McAnallen: “Math is a language to be spoken, a music to be heard, an art to be seen, a dance to be performed.” McAnallen’s core belief is that everyone can learn math, and Let’s Go Mathing! offers evidence of that theory.
Alarming statistics demonstrate that the U.S. is falling behind its global counterparts in mathematics and science education. Let’s Go Mathing! is aimed at the “preparation gap,” which happens when a child starts kindergarten without having had the opportunity to develop his or her intuitive knowledge and skills. The program is designed to encourage preschool children to develop a love and aptitude for mathematics – and to provide their caregivers with a means to help develop those critical skills early on.
“Children need a strong foundation in math if they are to succeed in today's high-tech world,” said Ann B. Glover, chief marketing officer of The Hartford Financial Services Group, which sponsored Let's Go Mathing! “Through her fun and energetic approach, Ms. Math helps youngsters embrace the world of numbers and gain a facility with abstract mathematical concepts. We are pleased to partner with CPTV to bring Ms. Math’s program to a wide audience.”
Math Channel is a Bloomfield-based company founded by McAnallen, Chuck Munigle and James Smith to “Teach the Wonders of Math.”™ Since its formation, Math Channel has been creating mass media presentations primarily involving internet and television programming designed to touch people in a way that enhances, enriches and gratifies their lives through a better understanding of mathematics.
“We at Math Channel are delighted to be part of the team that has created Let’s Go Mathing!,” said Chuck Munigle, president of Math Channel. “Having worked with Ms. Math for some time, we have great admiration for her ability not only to teach mathematical theory to young learners, but also for her ability to spark interest in and love for math wherever she goes. We believe that Let’s Go Mathing! will have significant impact on the lives of individuals who experience ‘the wonders of math’ through their exposure to this programming.”
Let’s Go Mathing! was produced by Ron Ropiak of Greenwich, Conn. The production also features the work of the University of Hartford’s costume design department, which designed and created the costume for Pythagoras Pig. Connecticut resident Linda McGovern designed the makeup for the show’s characters, and another Connecticut resident, Andy Mayo, composed the original music for the show.
A leader in the field of early childhood educational programming, CPTV offers 11½ hours of educational, non-commercial programming for children every weekday. CPTV is the top provider of children’s series to the national PBS system. Across the country, 10 million children watch the four series presented by CPTV: Barney & Friends, Thomas & Friends, Angelina Ballerina and Bob the Builder. In 2006, Bob the Builder attained the distinction of being the most-watched show nationwide among children aged two to five. Now in its 43rd year, CPTV remains committed to bringing the best in educational and entertaining programming and services to Connecticut and the nation. CPTV is a proud affiliate of PBS, which was named number one in public trust in 2006 by the Roper Public Affairs & Media poll in the third consecutive year.
Production Credits
Producer/Writer: Ron Ropiak
Executive Producer: Jay Whitsett, vice president of programming, CPTV
Let’s Go Mathing! is a co-production of CPTV and Math Channel. It is sponsored by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., with additional support from United Technologies, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and Alstom Power.
Copyright 2006 Connecticut Public Television
