Transform Math Class into a Community of Problem Solvers
One of the biggest questions I hear from teachers after they begin learning about Word Problem Workshop or student-centered math instruction is this: How do I fit it all in? You want problem solving, discourse, fluency, reflection, intervention, and conceptual understanding—and somehow you’re supposed to make all of that happen in one math block. The […]
Picture this: it’s October. A student gets stuck on a math problem. Instead of immediately raising their hand and waiting for help, they pause. They grab a tool. They reread the problem. They try a strategy. Not because they know they’ll get it right, but because they believe they can figure something out. That kind […]
Happy June, teacher friends! If you’re anything like me, your mind is already racing ahead to next year. You’re thinking about classroom supplies, lesson ideas, routines you want to improve, and all the possibilities that come with a fresh start. But before you close the door on this school year, I want to encourage you […]
Throughout the Math Discussion Makeover Series, we’ve talked about how small shifts—like removing materials, stopping repetition, and asking better questions—can completely transform math discussions. But this episode focuses on the move that makes all of those shifts actually work: turn and talk. Because even when students are engaged and listening, there is still one moment […]
In the first two episodes of the Math Discussion Makeover Series, we talked about how small teacher moves—like bringing materials to the carpet or repeating students—can quietly lower student engagement during math discussions. But this episode goes even deeper. Because even when students are listening and engaged, the questions we ask can still shut down […]
You Removed the Distractions… So Why Aren’t They Listening? In Part 1, we talked about how something as simple as students bringing materials to the carpet can impact student engagement. But even when students are sitting there with nothing in their hands… they still might not be listening. That’s because engagement isn’t just about removing […]
Students Are Checking Out Have you ever looked around during share time and noticed students flipping through journals, fixing their work, erasing mistakes, or staring down at their paper instead of listening? It can feel frustrating because this is often the moment where the richest learning is supposed to happen. The truth is, many disengaged […]
4 moves for grapple time in math class Have you ever walked around during grapple time and thought: Where do I go first?Should I help this student or wait?Why does it feel like everyone needs me at once? If so, you’re not alone. Grapple time can feel overwhelming when you don’t have a clear plan […]
