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Using The Change Agent in Math Class – Data
The SABES Math & Numeracy Team in Massachusetts started this online collection of math lessons and activities with connections to student articles from The Change Agent, a social justice journal written by and for adult education students and teachers. Explore the site and check out two recommended lessons to get started.
Using The Change Agent in Math Class
The SABES Math & Numeracy Team in Massachusetts started this online collection of math lessons and activities with connections to student articles from The Change Agent, a social justice journal written by and for adult education students and teachers. Explore the site and check out two recommended lessons to get started.
Number Lines and the Coordinate Grid, Part 1 – Integers
Every number can be thought of as a point on the number line. Because of this, number lines are important for all kinds of mathematics - they are used in algebra, geometry, statistics, and many other kinds of mathematics. In Part 1, students study (1) plotting points on a number line, including fractions, decimals, and signed numbers; (2) measurement and distance on a number line; and (3) absolute value. For teachers wishing to build on number line concepts to connect to the coordinate grid, there is a Part 2 for these materials.
Number Lines and the Coordinate Grid, Part 1
Every number can be thought of as a point on the number line. Because of this, number lines are important for all kinds of mathematics - they are used in algebra, geometry, statistics, and many other kinds of mathematics. In Part 1, students study (1) plotting points on a number line, including fractions, decimals, and signed numbers; (2) measurement and distance on a number line; and (3) absolute value. For teachers wishing to build on number line concepts to connect to the coordinate grid, there is a Part 2 for these materials.
Multiplication Representation Card
A printable matching activity for making connections between different representations of multiplication. Great to use as an ice breaker, a way to make groups, or just to get students out of their seats and talking to each other.
- Advanced ABE
- Beginning ABE
- CCRS Level B
- Intermediate ABE
- Number Sense
- One-Room Schoolhouse/Multilevel
Fraction Talks
A Fraction Talk is a discussion-rich routine that invites multiple ways of identifying fractions. They are similar to number talks, but instead of drawing out strategies through mental calculations, students evaluate images of shapes and identify fractions. The Fraction Talks website has a huge collection of images to inspire discussion and exploration, as well as suggestions for using this routine in your class.
Math Instructional Routines for Adult Learners
From the Adult Numeracy Network, these Instructional Routines are accessible and challenging to all students, can be approached in multiple ways using different types of sense-making strategies, promote understanding through discussion, make student thinking visible, make math visual and encourage practice of mental math.
Estimating
This workbook has activities to help students develop their number sense through estimation. As they work through the activities, they will look at different strategies for estimating in different contexts. Some of those strategies include partitioning, using your own body as a benchmark, as well as multiple strategies for estimating with numbers. The workbook offers strategies, examples for students to develop their own strategies, and then space to reflect on their learning. An optional video and asynchronous mini-course are also available.
Multiply without Memorizing
This workbook has activities to help students develop their conceptual understanding of multiplication. As they work through the activities, they will look at different strategies for grouping, including arrays and decomposing larger multiplication problems into friendlier numbers. The workbook offers strategies, examples for students to develop their own strategies, and then space to reflect on their learning. An optional video and asynchronous mini-course are also available.
Playing with Patterns
This workbook has activities for students to develop their algebraic reasoning through an investigation of patterns. As they work through the activities, they will look at different kinds of patterns, find rules for how those patterns work, and use what they notice to guess what comes next. The workbook offers different ways of looking at patterns, examples for students to develop their own ways of seeing, and then space to reflect on their learning. An optional video and asynchronous mini-course are also available.
Borrowing/Carrying –> Regrouping
Participants in this workout learn to teach strategies that support conceptual understanding of place value instead of the algorithm.
Let’s Talk About Dots!
Participants in this workout identify a low-risk strategy for students to see math as patterns and practice speaking about patterns,articulate ways to encourage student sharing around math topics, and consider the creativity present in math.
Why Before How
Teachers can use this book to build the concept of place value, encourage students to consider multiple methods for solving problems, and build real understanding of the meaning behind addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division paving the way to beginning algebra.
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.
Fluency Without Fear
Turns out memorization, timed tests and flash cards are not the most effective ways to learn math facts! This article from Jo Boaler addresses developing students' fluency with math facts (such as times tables), including confidence and how some common approaches to math facts can be related to anxiety and loss of perseverance.
22? 30? 50? 100?
A teacher of children blogs about a challenging experience working with a student learning to count. An ABE teacher of basic numeracy may find many suggestions in the comments of this blog entry very useful.
New Resources
Cracking the Code: Materials
This resource collection includes books and classroom materials that teachers can purchase as well as free, downloadable materials such as flash cards, letter tiles, vowel sound cards, and more.
Cracking the Code: Adult ESL Classroom Videos
This collection of classroom videos demonstrates Multisensory Alphabetics Instruction in action. All videos can all be found on the MN Adult Education YouTube Channel.
Cracking the Code: Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities
This resource collection primarily deals with how dyslexia research and instructional techniques can be adapted for use in adult ESL classrooms. There are also resources focused more generally on instruction for students with reading disabilities.
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
June 11, 2026
6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Online
Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 6/11/26 Venue: Online (see details below) Teaching intermediate alphabetics (syllables, prefixes, suffixes, root words) is a great way to help students build their decoding and comprehension skills. Come learn a variety of fun and easy-to-use routines and activities for helping intermediate-level readers develop these important… Learn More
Online
June 15, 2026
6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Online
Racial Equity 101 Presented by Jimmie Heags
Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 6/15/26 Venue: Online (see details below) Join presenter Jimmie Heags, Jr., MA, LSC, LPCC, LADC, ACS, for this session that exposes how race is defined and how racism impacts individuals and institutions. The session will provide learners with a framework for understanding and disrupting the… Learn More
Online
June 16, 2026
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Online
Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 6/16/26 Venue: Online (see details below) You don’t need to be a computer expert in order to teach computer skills! Come learn how help students build their digital literacy skills using Northstar Digital Literacy. In the webinar, participants will learn: The features of Northstar Digital… Learn More
Online