Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Farkas
Caroline, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started in the classroom. I spent seven years teaching 4th grade, and during that time, I saw firsthand how many students struggled with math. It wasn’t that they lacked ability, but often they found math boring or intimidating. I knew there had to be a better way to reach them, and that feeling only intensified when we switched to remote learning during the pandemic. I noticed a real lack of engaging video resources that could bring math to life for kids.
That’s when the idea for Doodles and Digits was born. I wanted to create something that would make math fun and engaging for all learners. I had no prior experience with video creation, so I taught myself how to edit and animate! We started with a YouTube channel, and quickly gained a following with our videos that explored math concepts in creative and relatable ways. We used humor, real-world examples, and visual learning techniques to break down complex topics and spark curiosity. It’s been amazing to see our reach grow – millions of students have watched our videos, with viewers from over 100 countries!
One of our biggest milestones was the launch of our PBS show, “How It’s Math.” This show takes viewers behind the scenes of different industries to see how math is used in everyday life. We’ve explored everything from chocolate factories and construction sites to landfills and even a food bank!
Today, Doodles and Digits continues to grow and evolve. We’re expanding our reach through various educational platforms, creating engaging resources for teachers and parents, and always looking for new ways to inspire a love of math in children. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road! Starting and running a business, especially in the world of education and media, comes with its fair share of challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles has been time management, and that was amplified by the fact that I had two children in the first two years of running Doodles and Digits! Creating high-quality educational videos takes a lot of time and effort, from research and planning to filming, editing, and animation. Balancing content creation with the demands of running a business, marketing, and raising a young family can be quite a juggling act.
Another challenge has been finding the right resources and support. As a small business owner, I wear many hats and have had to learn a lot of new skills along the way. Building a team and finding reliable partners who share my vision has been crucial.
And of course, there’s the constant challenge of reaching and engaging your audience. In the crowded world of online content, it can be difficult to stand out and get your message heard. We’re always experimenting with new strategies to reach more students, teachers, and parents.
Beyond the logistical hurdles, a big part of this journey has been getting comfortable with rejection and learning to overcome obstacles. Whether it’s a funding application that gets denied or a video that doesn’t perform as well as expected, setbacks are inevitable. I’ve learned to embrace those challenges as opportunities for growth and keep pushing forward.
I’m also committed to continuous learning. Running a business requires a diverse skillset, and I’m always eager to learn new things, whether it’s marketing, social media strategy, or financial management. I believe that a willingness to learn and adapt is essential for any entrepreneur.
Despite these challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The rewards of seeing kids get excited about math and knowing that we’re making a positive impact make it all worthwhile.
We’ve been impressed with Doodles and Digits LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Doodles and Digits is all about making math fun and accessible for kids! We create engaging educational videos, resources, and even a show on public television called “How It’s Math.” Our goal is to help elementary students develop a love of learning and build confidence in their math skills.
Here’s what sets us apart:
– Visual Learning: We use colorful animations, real-world examples, and hands-on activities to bring math concepts to life.
– Humor and Storytelling: We believe that learning should be fun! Our videos are filled with humor and engaging storylines that keep kids entertained while they learn. We even have a math chicken!
– Teacher Expertise: As a former 4th-grade teacher, I bring a deep understanding of curriculum and pedagogy to our content.
– Real-World Connections: Our PBS show, “How It’s Math,” takes viewers behind the scenes of different industries to see how math is used in everyday life.
– Positive and Encouraging: We believe in creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment where all students feel empowered to succeed.
I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on students. We’ve received countless messages from parents and teachers telling us how our videos have helped their children get excited about math and improve their understanding. That’s what it’s all about!
If there’s one thing I want your readers to know, it’s that math can be fun! We believe that every child has the potential to excel in math, and we’re here to provide the resources and support they need to succeed. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or student, I encourage you to check out our videos and see how we can help you make math an adventure!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
That’s an interesting question! It might surprise you to hear that I actually disliked math growing up. I found it boring and didn’t see how it connected to my life. It wasn’t until I became a teacher myself that my perspective completely changed. When I had to teach math, I was forced to find ways to make it engaging and interesting for my students. That’s when I discovered that math could actually be fun, creative, silly, and was truly everywhere around us!
This realization is a big part of why Doodles and Digits is so important to me. It allows me to show math in a different light and make it relatable to students who might not initially love it. I want to help kids see the magic and wonder in math, just like I did as an adult.
Beyond math, I was definitely a curious and creative kid! I loved exploring the world around me, asking questions, and coming up with new ideas. I even used to play teacher as a kid, lining up my stuffed animals and teaching them lessons. I was always drawn to anything that involved creativity and imagination, whether it was drawing, writing stories, or playing pretend.
I think this blend of creativity, curiosity, and a newfound love of math has definitely shaped who I am today and influenced the work I do with Doodles and Digits.
Pricing:
- We will always try to offer FREE math videos through Youtube or Public media to support ALL learners.
- We have additional worksheets and support materials on TPT ranging.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doodleslearning.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doodlesanddigits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doodlesanddigits/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@doodlesanddigits
