Math + Art: A Creative Approach to Learning 

Written by Rosanne Weber, Our Lady of Victory School Resource Teacher, Washington, D.C., [email protected]

Fifteen years ago, my collaboration with my school’s fourth grade teacher gave birth to an innovative program called Math + Art, or MArt. At that time, I was teaching art while also assisting in the fourth grade math class, where we faced a particularly diverse group of students. My colleague and I recognized a potential solution to this challenge in combining our respective areas of focus (math and art).

Their math abilities varied significantly, with some working a grade level ahead while others struggled, often working at least one grade below. In response to this challenge, we sought to develop an engaging method of instruction for all students to demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts. Our solution emerged as a fusion of math and art, designed to spark creativity and enable students to express their understanding of the math concepts through artistic means. This approach not only nurtured creativity but also provided support to those with foundational math weaknesses, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to succeed. Over the last three years, our new fourth grade teacher has taken the lead in carrying MArt forward—expanding its scope, enriching its activities, and deepening its impact on student learning. Through MArt, we continue to strive for a classroom environment that is both inclusive and inspiring, where students can thrive academically while exploring the intersection of art and mathematics.

The integration of art into math education transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences for students. Many learners struggle with the intricacies of math, but when art is incorporated, it stimulates their engagement by illustrating the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of mathematical ideas through relatable, real-life examples. This approach not only clarifies mathematical objectives but, more importantly, fosters confidence among students, allowing them to deepen their understanding. Moreover, the hands-on nature of artistic activities enhances muscle memory, making the learning process both enjoyable and effective. 

Examples of MArt in Practice 

Third Grade: Exploring Place Value Through Color and Composition 

In 2025, third graders explored place value, addition, and subtraction through the lens of primary and secondary colors. Each student received a three-digit addition or subtraction problem, differentiated according to their understanding of regrouping. Some students worked with problems that required regrouping across multiple place values, while others practiced equations designed to build confidence with simpler number patterns. Those working on subtraction used the inverse operation to solve for the missing minuend. Using brightly colored construction paper, students selected two primary colors and the corresponding secondary color to represent their equations. As they cut, layered, and arranged shapes, they created abstract compositions that visually expressed both the mathematical process and the final solution. The result was a vibrant gallery of student work, an expression of how creativity, differentiation, and problem-solving come together in learning. 

Fourth Grade: Interpreting Magnitude with Kandinsky’s Circles 

In fourth grade, students examined place value and magnitude through the work of artist Wassily Kandinsky. The lesson began with a See, Think, Wonder routine, where students observed and discussed Kandinsky’s Several Circles, drawing connections between the painting’s structure and mathematical concepts. Using their knowledge of magnitude, students assigned numerical values to circles of varying sizes to represent place value relationships. 

To meet the needs of all learners, the assignment was differentiated: some students worked with smaller numbers in the ones through thousands periods, while others extended their understanding into the millions. Each student then used a template of circles in different sizes to design their own interpretation, expressing scale, proportion, and beauty through the order found in mathematics. These projects served as a reminder that, just as each circle contributes to the harmony of the whole, every student’s unique talents contribute to the greater good of the classroom community. 

Cross-Curricular Expansion of MArt 

Over the years, MArt has continued to grow in scope. In fourth grade, MArt has expanded to be cross-curricular, particularly connecting math, art, and language arts.  Every fall, students read the novella, Sadako and the 1000 Cranes, and to make the story more relatable, the students work together to fold 1000 origami paper cranes. In preparation for this end-of-unit project, students are taught a variety of origami models that introduce all of the necessary folds that eventually lead to folding a crane.  Geometry is incorporated throughout the origami folding lessons.  Students are reviewing 2-dimensional shapes, angles, fractions, and lines with every origami lesson. 

Building Confidence and Creativity 

MArt represents the powerful intersection of logical reasoning, creative expression, and thoughtful reflection. In these projects, students translate mathematical concepts into visually engaging works of art, problem-solving, and designing as they go. Whether exploring geometry through tessellations, experimenting with symmetry, or using fractions to guide color patterns, students discover that math isn’t confined to a worksheet; it’s alive in their art and deeply connected to the beauty of the world around them.  
 
Beyond content mastery, MArt nurtures a broad range of essential skills and core values. Students engage in critical thinking as they plan and problem-solve, communicate as they explain their artistic and mathematical choices, and collaborate as they share ideas and create together in a spirit of respect and kindness. These experiences foster a sense of community, encouraging students to appreciate one another’s gifts, persevere through challenges, and take joy in their shared accomplishments.