Resources
Results
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
Video #6: Analyzing Our Lessons with the Culture Tree
The Culture Tree helps us name tangible parts of culture, so that when we look at our lesson plans, we can figure out how much of the content is based on our own culture and ways of seeing/thinking of things. Therefore, once we name what part of culture the lesson connects with, we can then think about what kinds of discussion questions or content will invite learners to share about their own experiences. This makes class more relevant and helps learners bridge information they already know to new skills and knowledge.
Videos Series: Moving Equity Forward in Adult Education
Moving Equity Forward in Adult Education is a series of short videos around DEI/antiracism topics in adult education. Each video and accompanying discussion questions will package an important concept that works toward justice in a format that is easily accessible for educators. Videos cover topics such as understanding culture, discovering learners’ funds of knowledge, being a warm demander, and using diverse teaching materials.
ACES Foundations Online Course
This free online course on the Canvas platform provides an introduction to ACES (Academic, Career and Employability Skills) and the TIF (Transitions Integration Framework). Participants can complete the entire course or access specific topics for a refresher, and can earn 6 CEUs for successful completion of all lesson reviews in the course.
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
January 22, 2025
6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Online
Volunteer Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 1/22/25 Participants learn how to apply teaching practices that support language and skill development for all learners. These practices include ensuring that instruction is learner centered, using an appropriate level of teacher talk and delivering error correction. Learn More
Online
January 23, 2025
8:00 am–4:00 pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Minneapolis Airport
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
Language & Literacy Institute 2025 – Bloomington, MN
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Minneapolis Airport
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRI. 1/17/25 by 5:00 pm (CST); Late fee applies after that time! NOTE: Anyone attending the conference, including presenters, MUST register! HOTEL GUEST ROOMS: ATLAS is holding a block of discounted rooms at the event venue, Embassy Suites by Hilton-Minneapolis Airport; however, space… Learn More
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Minneapolis Airport
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
January 24, 2025
8:00 am–5:00 pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Minneapolis Airport
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
Language & Literacy Institute 2025 – Bloomington, MN
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Minneapolis Airport
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRI. 1/17/25 by 5:00 pm (CST); Late fee applies after that time! NOTE: Anyone attending the conference, including presenters, MUST register! HOTEL GUEST ROOMS: ATLAS is holding a block of discounted rooms at the event venue, Embassy Suites by Hilton-Minneapolis Airport; however, space… Learn More
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Minneapolis Airport
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States
7901 34th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425 United States