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Problem Strings

Problem Strings are an instructional strategy where the teacher facilitates students working through and thinking aloud about a set of math problems (for example: 5 x 6, then 5 x 60, and so on...) as a method for students to learn from each other about math strategies. The strategy offers a way to pack significant math learning into a short time in class. Read More

Math Visuals

Imagine that a math teacher made simple, attractive visuals to spark student discussion around counting and basic operations. Berkeley Everett did - and here it is! Read More

Instructional Strategies for Counting

These three blog posts from an elementary math coach describe instructional strategies around basic counting that may be useful for some ABE teachers addressing very basic numeracy. Read More

Introducing the Orangamallow

A quick reading about a quick strategy a teacher uses to make "like terms" meaningful to her students. Read More

Linear Matching

A printable matching activity for matching graphs to equations. Read More

How much did the temperature drop? Absolute Value

Robert Kaplinsky describes the lesson this way: "This lesson uses a time lapse thermometer video as a context for discussing integer operations and absolute value. The video should provide some added meaning to the classic temperature drop problem." Read More

If Graphing Linear Inequalities Is Aspirin, Then How Do You Create the Headache?

Brief blog post by Dan Meyer that addresses teaching students not just the procedure for how to graph linear inequalities, but providing the opportunity for them to consider why the conventional representation (graph) is an efficient way to go. Read More

Ignite Videos – Math Forum

Ignite is a presentation format where each presenter speaks for 5 minutes. This site has some excellent talks from the Math Forum at Drexel. Read More

Fraction Talk (and Pie)

Math teacher Chase Orton lays out the instruction he used, starting with pictures of pies, in order to get students to use benchmark fractions. Read More

Geometric Subitizing: Counting Discussion Cards

The discussion cards posted on this site can be used to discuss counting and grouping strategies with students. This could be a great way to engage students using vocabulary around numbers and shapes.  Read More