The Pedagogical Lineage of the Kaplans and its Future

Authors

Taylor Yeracaris, The Global Math CircleFollow

Biographical Sketch

Taylor Yeracaris is the education lead at The Global Math Circle (GMC), where he leads circles, coaches leaders, and runs programs focused on fostering a deep and joyful relationship with mathematics through engaging discussions and interactive "accessible mysteries". Taylor also trains others in the Kaplans' approach to Math Circles through the GMC's Leader Training Institute, and works to support Math Circle practice and community from a variety of other angles.

Abstract

This article describes the origins of Bob and Ellen Kaplan's Math Circle, one of the first Math Circles in the U.S. It covers Bob and Ellen's personal histories and some of the wide-ranging impact of their work and philosophy of teaching. It also discusses how the current form of their organization, The Global Math Circle, is working to carry forward their legacy, including building community and supporting Math Circle leaders with the Nexus project.

Description of Program

The Global Math Circle is an online program where children ages 5-14 of any math background can participate in long-form online Math Circle courses in the style of Bob and Ellen Kaplan. Participants experience math as mathematicians do it: as a joyful, exploratory, and collaborative process, grounded in a fundamental sense of creativity and intellectual ownership. More information is available at theglobalmathcircle.org.

Recommended Citation

Yeracaris, Taylor (2025) "The Pedagogical Lineage of the Kaplans and its Future," Journal of Math Circles: Vol. 4: Iss. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/mathcirclesjournal/vol4/iss2/2