---
title: Celebrating JiJi Culture at Home + Summer Math Activities
description: Here are a few ways ST Math teachers are promoting a love for math and celebrating JiJi culture outside of the typical classroom environment. Plus, fun ideas for summer math activities!
image: https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/JiJi_mascot_2.png
---

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# Celebrating JiJi Culture at Home + Summer Math Activities

By [Edith Esparza](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/author/edith-esparza)

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With hybrid learning being the new reality for teachers, I wanted to highlight a few ways our ST Math teachers are promoting a love for math and celebrating JiJi culture outside of the typical classroom environment. 

**Bonus:** With summer vacation just right around the corner, I also compiled a few fun and engaging math activities to stretch your brains this summer!

## **What is JiJi Culture?**

JiJi culture is an ST Math celebration of math love in the classroom (in-person or online), at home, and beyond! 

Educators use [ST Math](https://www.stmath.com/) to deeply engage, motivate, and challenge PreK-8 students toward higher achievement in math. By celebrating JiJi culture, students develop the necessary confidence to believe in themselves and their math abilities. 

Some principles JiJi culture is based on include:

- Perseverance and creative problem solving.
- Embracing the productive struggle that comes with new challenges.
- Having a growth mindset to learn (and grow) from mistakes.
- A love and appreciation for mathematics.

![JiJi](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JiJi_mascot_2.png?width=750&name=JiJi_mascot_2.png)

## **5 Ways Teachers Celebrate JiJi Culture at Home**

#### 1) Make JiJi their At-Home Learning Pal

K-2 math coach Leigh Boland ([@leigh\_boland](https://twitter.com/leigh_boland)) documented her adventures with JiJi for her teachers and students. Here is one of my favorites where Ms. Boland and her daughter are showcasing their geometric chalk art. What a creative way to combine math and art for a fun, outdoors activity!

> Day 30: [#JiJi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JiJi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) created a chalk mosaic filled with different shapes. What shapes do you see? How many of each? Thank you [@AnneLungarini](https://twitter.com/AnneLungarini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 💜for the giant chalk that made this possible. [#chalkyourwalk](https://twitter.com/hashtag/chalkyourwalk?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@STMath](https://twitter.com/STMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@LuceyJo](https://twitter.com/LuceyJo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Meadowbschool](https://twitter.com/Meadowbschool?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/0hVqyCWGF3](https://t.co/0hVqyCWGF3)
> 
>  — Leigh Boland (@leigh\_boland) [April 14, 2020](https://twitter.com/leigh_boland/status/1250095809791766528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

First grade teacher Miss Erazo ([@MissErazo](https://twitter.com/MissErazo)) brought joy to her students with a surprise visit from JiJi on their weekly math lesson via Google Meets. 

> My JiJi friend came just in time for this week’s live math lesson on Google Meet!! I’m so happy JiJi was able to surprise my students this morning. Their little gasps and wide eyes was definitely the highlight of my day! 🐧 [#STMath](https://twitter.com/hashtag/STMath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/hbkCHK5Zip](https://t.co/hbkCHK5Zip)
> 
>  — Miss Erazo (@MissErazo) [May 7, 2020](https://twitter.com/MissErazo/status/1258534960899584000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Want your own lovable learning pal? You can purchase a JiJi plushie at the [JiJi Store](https://store.mindresearch.org/collections/jiji-store?page=3) in the MIND Marketplace.

[![cdn.shopify.comsfiles1014667317348productsJiJi_Plush_Front_1200x1200](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/cdn.shopify.comsfiles1014667317348productsJiJi_Plush_Front_1200x1200.jpg?width=755&name=cdn.shopify.comsfiles1014667317348productsJiJi_Plush_Front_1200x1200.jpg)](https://store.mindresearch.org/collections/jiji-store?page=3)

#### **2) Problem Solve Together**

Despite learning remotely, these teachers and their students used video calling tools to engage in meaningful math conversations while problem solving together on ST Math.  

> This morning’s [@Google](https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) meet was a success!Special guest star 🌟 Mr. O’Connor made an appearance. And students helped each other with [@STMath](https://twitter.com/STMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) using presentation view. Loving student directed learning! [#wearebethpage](https://twitter.com/hashtag/wearebethpage?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#ccsbethpage](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ccsbethpage?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@EDifiglia](https://twitter.com/EDifiglia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@BethpageUFSD](https://twitter.com/BethpageUFSD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@DschneiderBUFSD](https://twitter.com/DschneiderBUFSD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/q4jmZpadfi](https://t.co/q4jmZpadfi)
> 
>  — Yansick206 (@yansick206) [April 24, 2020](https://twitter.com/yansick206/status/1253742758013153280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Providing support on ST Math with screen share on Zoom. "How do you play this game? What have you tried? What else could you try?" And Walla he passed it! [@STMath](https://twitter.com/STMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@NISDGlenoaks](https://twitter.com/NISDGlenoaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@NISDElemMath](https://twitter.com/NISDElemMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/bN7rUo7Aix](https://t.co/bN7rUo7Aix)
> 
>  — Bethany Morantes (@BMorantes13) [April 23, 2020](https://twitter.com/BMorantes13/status/1253460770458910720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> [I am proud of my 1st grade friends who are still collaborating and learning from each other via distance learning. Today on](https://twitter.com/BMorantes13/status/1253460770458910720)[@zoom\_us](https://twitter.com/zoom_us?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) they helped a friend get through a stuck place on [@STMath](https://twitter.com/STMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 🐧. I love their confidence <3 [@NISDLeonValley](https://twitter.com/NISDLeonValley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#seegoodinallthings](https://twitter.com/hashtag/seegoodinallthings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/kUt5A0XiDU](https://t.co/kUt5A0XiDU)
> 
>  — Jessica Zacarias (@ms\_zacarias) [April 15, 2020](https://twitter.com/ms_zacarias/status/1250462958330748929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

#### **3) Send JiJi Snail Mail**

Nothing beats the feeling when you receive something fun in the mail! These students got to experience just that from their teachers when they received a motivational letter to keep up the great work with their printed [ST Math certificate of completion](https://help.stmath.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034654793-Certificates) to help them celebrate their accomplishment at home with their families. 

> 🤩Another STMath 100%! I am so proud of you Ruhma. Check your mail for your special delivery. Keep up the hard work! 💫[@CMSmtolive](https://twitter.com/CMSmtolive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Lobban1stgrade](https://twitter.com/Lobban1stgrade?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@MathWithMrsM](https://twitter.com/MathWithMrsM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@NicoleMusarra](https://twitter.com/NicoleMusarra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/5LF0E3v6Nj](https://t.co/5LF0E3v6Nj)
> 
>  — Mrs. Edwards 1st grade (@1stEdwards) [April 22, 2020](https://twitter.com/1stEdwards/status/1252941136290820096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> This week’s mailing to my Ss...positivity is not cancelled, perseverance on [@STMath](https://twitter.com/STMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is not cancelled, loosing teeth is not cancelled! [@MOSandshore](https://twitter.com/MOSandshore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Jen1Curry](https://twitter.com/Jen1Curry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@kristymc24](https://twitter.com/kristymc24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/hDU4wfBNO9](https://t.co/hDU4wfBNO9)
> 
>  — Tracy Church (@tracychurch73) [April 17, 2020](https://twitter.com/tracychurch73/status/1251156541337530373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

#### **4) Host In-Person or Virtual ST Math Celebrations**

Time can be limited with your students, but consider using some of that time to celebrate your students’ successes and call out specific learning moments. These celebrations may help provide the motivation to continue the learning over the summer.

> Schools may be closed, but the learning has not stopped. Click the video link below for a photo shopped "virtual update" of my [@STMath](https://twitter.com/STMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) wall. Over 300 penguins have moved! [@NISDElemMath](https://twitter.com/NISDElemMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@NISDSteubing](https://twitter.com/NISDSteubing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [https://t.co/EIGnbIJlJZ](https://t.co/EIGnbIJlJZ) [pic.twitter.com/y8rIAYLmAD](https://t.co/y8rIAYLmAD)
> 
>  — Jeff Gobin (@MrGobinTweets) [April 16, 2020](https://twitter.com/MrGobinTweets/status/1250834894168653824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> [@mresnewton](https://twitter.com/mresnewton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) mathematicians are continuing to work hard on [@STMath](https://twitter.com/STMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) at home!!! More members added to our ST Math Wall of Fame! [@WaterMusic2](https://twitter.com/WaterMusic2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@leeanngourlay](https://twitter.com/leeanngourlay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@millerbrit3rd](https://twitter.com/millerbrit3rd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@MBarrett2018](https://twitter.com/MBarrett2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Taylor\_MRES](https://twitter.com/Taylor_MRES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@MsRBattle](https://twitter.com/MsRBattle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@jrtzfanclub](https://twitter.com/jrtzfanclub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@RonEdwardsWorld](https://twitter.com/RonEdwardsWorld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#ncssbethebest](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ncssbethebest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/R2ISZwdG5C](https://t.co/R2ISZwdG5C)
> 
>  — Heather Hodge (@Heather\_Hodge13) [April 16, 2020](https://twitter.com/Heather_Hodge13/status/1250789185478365184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Congratulations to my students who have worked so hard on [@STMath](https://twitter.com/STMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) these past few weeks! [#50isnifty](https://twitter.com/hashtag/50isnifty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#distancelearning](https://twitter.com/hashtag/distancelearning?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@tincroadschool](https://twitter.com/tincroadschool?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Shar\_teacher](https://twitter.com/Shar_teacher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@ZywickiR](https://twitter.com/ZywickiR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@ImScottLipson](https://twitter.com/ImScottLipson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/ZcUay18YX8](https://t.co/ZcUay18YX8)
> 
>  — Mrs. Iacampo (@mrsiacampo) [April 14, 2020](https://twitter.com/mrsiacampo/status/1250079001042989056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

#### **5) Participate In a School-Wide ST Math Usage Challenge**

Some classrooms, schools and districts track ST Math usage using the reports and celebrate milestones and success through healthy competition. We’re used to seeing classroom hallways and bulletin boards used to track usage but with remote learning, our community had to think outside the box. Now, we see classrooms, grade bands, and schools using virtual leaderboards, and visualizations can be used to track and share progress online!

> We have 847 students active in [@STMath](https://twitter.com/STMath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) - WAY TO GO, kids and parents!!! Here is the leaderboard for week 2! [#haveuherdkisd](https://twitter.com/hashtag/haveuherdkisd?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/r5abdpnsf8](https://t.co/r5abdpnsf8)
> 
>  — Blackshear Elem. (@BlackshearKISD) [April 16, 2020](https://twitter.com/BlackshearKISD/status/1250889958338027531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

I’m amazed at the creativity and dedication of teachers everywhere, and I hope these ideas inspire you too! 

## **Summer Math Activities**

Challenge your students to continue learning with JiJi over the summer.

The [ST Math Usage Calendar](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/ST_Math_Usage_Calendar.pdf)is a great way for students to keep track of their progress every time they use ST Math over break. With the tracker, students can mark the number of minutes and puzzles completed in a given day keeping them accountable and motivated. 

[![ST Math Usage Calendar](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ST_Math_Usage_Calendar.png?width=600&name=ST_Math_Usage_Calendar.png)](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/ST_Math_Usage_Calendar.pdf)

[Download the Spanish version>>](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/ST_Math_Usage_Calendar_Sp.pdf)

For more summer math activity ideas, check out the blog [16+ Summer Math Activities for Kids](https://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/summer-math-activities-for-kids). 

![Edith Esparza](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Edith%20Esparza%20Headshot.jpg)

### About the Author

Edith Esparza is the Marketing Specialist at MIND and loves sharing her passion for learning.

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