Transform Math Class into a Community of Problem Solvers
At some point, every math teacher asks this question: What should students actually be doing, saying, and thinking in math class? Not what the lesson plan says, the pacing guide demands or what the test will eventually assess. But rather, what students should be doing with their hands, what they should be saying out loud […]
Why We Use Multiplication Problems in Kindergarten and First Grade There’s a quiet moment that happens in a lot of K–1 classrooms. A student looks at a problem with groups. Bags, shelves, pairs. And they start counting in ways that feel a little “ahead.” Not wrong. Just unexpected. And immediately, the adult brain kicks in. […]
How to Support Students Who Struggle in Math There’s a moment in every classroom that still makes my shoulders tense. A student pauses.Their pencil hovers.They look up at you… not for an answer, but for permission. You planned carefully. You anticipated misconceptions. You broke the work down in ways that felt supportive and responsible. And […]
Why Word Problem Workshop in Kindergarten Matters More Than Ever I’ll start with a confession: I’ve never taught kindergarten. And honestly? I don’t think I could. Kindergarten teachers bring superhuman levels of patience, compassion, and organizational magic. They’re teaching kids how to be at school while supporting families at the same time. But I do […]
Let’s Just See What They Can Do If you’ve ever stood next to a teacher holding a word problem like it might burst into flames, you know this moment: “My kids can’t do this yet… the numbers are too big… they don’t regroup…” I hear this all the time, and honestly, I get it. When […]
Why We Need Math Coach Anchor Moves Now More Than Ever If your building has felt a little wild lately with louder hallways, shorter lessons, and teachers stretched thin, I want you to know you are not alone. I have been right there too, trying to coach in the middle of the chaos and wondering […]
🎙️ Learning Walks: Getting Better Together Hey teacher friends, Mona here! Today we’re diving into one of my favorite ways to grow as a team and strengthen math instruction across a school: Learning Walks. If you’ve never tried one before, don’t worry. By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what Learning Walks are, […]
🎙️ A Better Way to Use CUBES in Math Word Problems: Moving From Keywords to Meaning Many teachers rely on the CUBES strategy to help students solve word problems. It provides structure, confidence, and a clear procedure. However, traditional CUBES can unintentionally train students to search for keywords instead of understanding the story. In this […]
