Author Stephanie Van Horn is excited to see only one
copy of Math Rapmatics on the shelf at The Last Word!
Camille: How are you doing? How is life? Stephanie: I am so blessed. I have finished up another amazing year teaching Kindergarten. I am married to my best friend. I love being a Mommy! I have an amazing group of friends who pray for me, encourage me and make me laugh until I cry! Yes, life is good. Camille: It's been three years since Math Rapmatics: Mathematical Rhymes Right On Time launched. How has the journey been? Stephanie: Well, it has been filled with highs and one challenge. Highlights have come from the positive feedback about the lyrics. Both adults and children love how easy it is to learn complex math concepts from the math raps. I can not express the pure joy that wells up inside me when I hear that kids are understanding the math. The math raps were created to help children who were struggling in the classroom setting. When I am told that it is helping then the purpose of the book has been fulfilled. Another high on this journey came in 2012 when 25 copies of the book was sold to Freedom School Partners of Charlotte, NC. The book is now being used to teach low income children math during the summer months. I can not help but smile thinking about that. Who knows...my book may inspire a child to love numbers so much that he or she might pursue a math based job in the future. It is so incredible to think about that possibility. One challenge to being an author is trying to find the time to promote the book. It is not always easy juggling time for faith, family, work and friends. But I am grateful for time in the summer to promote and work on projects related to the book. It is a lot of fun! Camille: Which math rap is your favorite and why? Stephanie: "Tick Tock" is my absolute favorite rap because I love the way the lyrics flow. The book does come with a CD and I love the music for "Tick Tock" the best! It makes me want to jump up and dance. Camille: You have done author visits and presentations for the past three years. Is there a visit that stands out to you? Stephanie: Yes, for sure! I was able to take some children to the "Charlotte Today" TV show in 2012. I talked about the educational value of the book, but the best part of the visit was when the children rapped "Tick Tock" from the book. They were a hit! Honestly, I was so nervous that I was going to stumble all over my words, but it went very well. God was with me. It was a humbling opportunity to be highlighted on such a huge platform! Camille: What is next for Math Rapmatics? Stephanie: I love doing author visits to daycares, schools or parties. I just want to help children continue to develop a positive relationship with numbers at a young age. Camille: Thank you for your time today. You should be very proud of your fun book. I think
it is quite exciting.
Stephanie: Thank you Camille. Math Rapmatics has been a tool that has allowed me to connect with one of my passions...making learning fun!
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