Step 3: Word Problem Workshop — Share: How Students’ Work Fuels Students’ Discussion

Does your math class feel like only a handful of students ever raise their hands while the rest stay silent? Or maybe your students avoid sharing out of fear of being wrong? You’re not alone—many teachers face this challenge. In today’s episode, we’re diving into Step 3 of Word Problem Workshop: the Share, and how it can transform your math classroom into a motivated community of problem-solvers.

Why Students Resist Sharing in Math Class

When I taught both 1st and 5th grade, I noticed the same pattern—students hesitated to share their thinking. Younger students often relied on a few eager classmates, while older students were afraid of being wrong. This episode starts with that familiar struggle and sets the stage for why Step 3 is such a game changer.

What Makes Step 3: The Share Different

Unlike traditional classroom sharing, the Word Problem Workshop Share step isn’t about calling on random hands. Instead, it’s a structured time where 2–3 students take the floor to explain their thinking while their classmates listen, observe, and reflect. This intentional design builds listening, thinking, and communication skills that go far beyond math.

Key Features That Bring Sharing to Life

Step 3 introduces practices that shift ownership from teacher to students:

  • Students voice the rules—the sharer explains their own thinking without teacher interruption.
  • Work becomes public evidence—their written strategies are displayed and referred back to.
  • The teacher charts—modeling clarity and precision in math visuals.
  • Active thinking is expected—listeners learn to process and critique strategies, not just sit quietly.

These elements make the Share more than a routine—it’s a rehearsal space for authentic mathematical conversations.

Why Sharing Motivates Students

Here’s the surprising part: students want to be chosen to share. Once they realize their ideas can take center stage, and that the teacher will literally chart their thinking for the class, participation becomes a privilege. The Share step creates authentic motivation and builds a classroom culture where every voice matters.

Building a Community of Problem-Solvers

Math doesn’t exist in isolation—it thrives in community, just like reading and writing. The Share step teaches students to listen, cite evidence, and respect different perspectives. Over time, these routines build trust and help students see themselves as contributors to a collective problem-solving community.

What’s Next in Word Problem Workshop

That’s the Share—Step 3 of Word Problem Workshop. Next time, we’ll dive into Step 4: The Discussion, where students take their observations even deeper. If you missed Step 1 (Launch) or Step 2 (Grapple), be sure to catch up on those episodes for the full picture.

Ready to Transform Your Math Classroom?

If you’re intrigued by this process, make sure to listen to the full episode for classroom-tested strategies and insights. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who’s ready to build a stronger math community.

👉 Want more? Be sure to preorder the book where I share all the details, examples, and tools you need to put Word Problem Workshop into action.