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Geometric Subitizing: A Different Kind of Number Talk

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. 

The Story of Two Words and One Simple Tweak to Get Students Talking

Teacher Sarah Van Der Werf shares some observations about attending to vocabulary in math instruction and shares a strategy for helping students access unfamiliar vocabulary in math class.

Thinking Routines

A variety of instructional strategies that can be used with various levels of math instruction. Prepared by Minnesota teacher Joe Cole.

Tweet Me, Maybe

Max Ray-Reik of the Math Forum suggests using Twitter for personalized professional development in this 5-minute talk.

Visual Patterns

A gallery of visual patterns can be used with students exploring algebra. Fawn Nguyen, the teacher behind the site, also documents her students' discussion of the patterns at mathtalks.net. You can also read about how ABE teachers are using the patterns.

Rethinking How We See Mistakes

Math teacher Audrey McLaren writes about encouraging students to make and learn from mistakes. She recommends specific strategies for changing a classroom's culture around mistakes.

Progression of Early Number and Counting

What is an instructional progression that leads to conceptual understanding of counting and numbers? This 8-minute video lays out a progression for children learning these concepts, but ABE teachers of students with beginning numeracy will find useful ideas here.

Purposeful Numberless Word Problems

In these blog posts, Brian Bushart addresses types of word problems and a strategy for instruction.

One Formula to Rule Them All

Before you teach another formula for area of a 2-D shape, check out the "applets" on this page. Teachers who do not have access to internet in their classroom can learn from the animations and do a similar demonstration with paper.

Playing Uno: The “Combine Like Terms” Version

Instructions and printables for a "combine like terms" UNO game.

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.

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!

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.

Introducing the Orangamallow

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

Linear Matching

A printable matching activity for matching graphs to equations.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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. 

New Resources

Retail Customer Service

Retail Customer Service is a 6-week (48-hour) work readiness training program focused on preparing students for entry-level positions in retail environments, particularly cashiering. The curriculum emphasizes essential retail customer service skills, money handling, inventory tracking, and includes hands-on experience running a student store. Students will gain practical knowledge of U.S. payment methods, cash handling procedures, and use of a Point of Sale (POS) system. In addition to technical skills, the course builds foundational job-seeking abilities such as filling out applications, resume writing, and interview preparation. It also introduces American workplace norms, customer service vocabulary, and strategies for handling conflict, with special attention to culturally appropriate communication in Minnesota. The course can also include employment navigation support to help students transition successfully into the workforce. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of Minnesota

Workplace Health and Safety Curriculum

This class prepares people for OSHA 10 Training. Explore careers in janitorial, warehouse, hospital. Learners will: Build vocabulary and skills related to building maintenance, customer service, workplace health and safety; develop Speaking, Listening, and Reading skills for entry level and advanced jobs in building maintenance and customer service; earn OSHA 10 Certificate for Industrial Safety; and have access to a Counselor who will help with applying for jobs St. Paul Public Schools, or other companies. || AUTHOR: Nancy Bjorn Nordeen, Hubbs Center

College Readiness Academy Skills

This course builds knowledge, skills, and confidence in standard American English with a focus on academic writing, reading, oral communication, and digital literacy. Critical language areas are integrated throughout the course to prepare students for college-level success. The novel A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park will serve as the core text for reading, writing, discussion, and project work. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of MN

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PD Catalog

Get an overview of all MN Adult Education professional development (PD) activities in one convenient, searchable place!

PD Catalog

Presenter Information

Get information about stipends, reimbursements, the MN Adult Ed policy on use of images in presentations, and other instructions for presenters.

 

MN Adult Ed YouTube Channel

The MN Adult Education YouTube Channel is a free online PD resource that you can use to explore teaching techniques and classroom ideas in action! Find out more in this MN ABE Connect newsletter article.

 

ATLAS Announcements & Future PD

Check out the latest list of ATLAS professional development announcements and opportunities! This is the document that is shared at all ATLAS events.

 

Virtual Meeting Resources

Find resources for conducting online meetings/events/presentations! You are welcome to use and adapt these materials to fit your own needs and context.

 

Upcoming ABE Events

May 16, 2025 10:00 am–11:00 am
SW ABE
Online

Support Staff Coffee Break – TABE 13&14 Updates

Online

Registration Deadline: FRI. 5/16/25 Venue: Online (see details below) Join us virtually on Friday, May 16, 10:00-11:00 am, for a session focused on TABE 13&14. State assessment trainers Linda Keller of Metro North and Marty Olsen of SW ABE will share the latest TABE 13&14 updates. They will… Learn More

Online
May 16, 2025 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

How Adult Brains Learn Languages Presented by Andrea Echelberger

Online

Registration Deadline: FRI. 5/16/25 Learn what research has to say about how adult brains learn a new language, how trauma and stress impact learning, and how this influences the teaching practices that we use in the language classroom. Participants will leave the webinar with suggestions for ways teachers… Learn More

Online
May 19, 2025 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Refining Your Teacher Talk

Online

Registration Deadline: MON. 5/19/25 Many tutors know they should limit their talking time, but struggle to do so. In this webinar, revisit the importance of reducing teacher talking time and learn ways to improve it to maximize learner engagement and comprehension. Learn More

Online