Math is Figure-Out-Able!

In the last 5 episodes we've laid out the most important strategies for students to be able to solve for all four operations. So what? In this episode Pam and Kim solve a gnarly problem to demonstrate how mathematizing can empower you and your students, and open up to the world of Real Math.Talking Points:How to use the BIG downloadable e-bookA gnarly problem solved using Real MathIt's all about efficiency and developing more sophisticated reasoningPartial strategies are a great starting point but not the ending placeKudos to Pam's research and thoughtfulnessWhy does Pam seem to focus on computation?What believers are sayingOther ways to learn with PamWe can make higher math more accessibleBONUS: Kim's failed attempt at the standard algorithmGet the BIG download here! https://mathisfigureoutable.com/big

This discussion dives deep into the struggle with long division and the switch to more intuitive strategies. Listeners will discover the power of partial quotients and techniques like ‘over-under’ estimation. They explore how ratios and equivalent fractions can simplify division. The hosts emphasize thinking in larger chunks and mastering foundational math knowledge to boost confidence in solving division problems. With playful approaches, they inspire a calculator-free mindset in tackling math challenges.

What are the five major strategies for multiplication? In this episode Pam and Kim name and give examples of each of the five major multiplication strategies. If students own these strategies they should be able to solve any multiplication problem that is reasonable to solve without a calculator. They will be able to solve it as efficiently as a traditional algorithm and most of the time more efficiently than the traditional algorithm. But even more important than that, they will be developing Multiplicative Reasoning! Talking Points:Smart Partial ProductsOver/Under5 is Half of 10How are these strategies related to the distributive property?Doubling/HalvingHow is this strategy related to the associative property?Using Quarters & Scaling Bonus! Flexible FactoringGet a download of all the major strategies here: www.mathisfigureoutable.com/big

It's time for subtraction! In this episode Pam and Kim name and give examples of the four main subtraction strategies students need to own to solve any subtraction problem that is reasonable to solve without a calculator.Talking Points:Remove a Friendly NumberRemove a Friendly Number - OverRemove to a Friendly NumberConstant DifferenceHow do students choose which one to use?Get the download! www.mathisfigureoutable.com/big

What are the major strategies students need to know to solve any addition problem that is reasonable to solve without a calculator? In this episode Pam and Kim list them out, give examples, and some insights into how they choose which strategy to use for any given problem. Talking Points: Splitting by Place Value (a precursor strategy)Add a Friendly Number Add a Friendly Number - Over Get to a Friendly Number Give and Take When do you use each strategy?Get our download of all the major strategies here! mathisfigureoutable.com/big

We want students to be real problem solvers, and we know that means much more than helping them get correct answers. But we never want to put students in a position where they are disadvantaged because they don't know the traditional algorithms. We actually want them to have a much deeper and richer understanding of mathematical relationships. In this episode Pam and Kim begin a series exploring the major strategies for each operation that students need so that they can solve ANY problem that's reasonable to solve without a calculator. Talking Points:Pam's journey from learning only step by step procedures to mathematizingHow this series can take Pam's published books a step furtherHow Kim, and many other mathematicians approach problemsOwnership of the major relationships empowers students with choiceHonor students thinking, but don't leave students where they areGet the download!: mathisfigureoutable.com/big

When we feel passionately about the way we teach, we can sometimes inadvertently miscommunicate when speaking with parents. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss how to appropriately talk about getting correct answers and preparing for high stakes tests so that parents know their children are in good hands.Talking Points:Answers are important!What we don't want to communicate to parentsPreparing students for high stakes tests is important!Insight into a test writer's thinking when they write test itemsHelping students mathematize will help them feel more confident and excel on high stakes tests

Partnering with parents can be a blast! In this episode Pam and Kim describe how they organize and run math nights to help parents experience mathematizing and get excited about what their students will be learning.Talking Points:Typical parent math nights vs. our parent math nightsOpportunity to share grade level or school wide expectationsImportance of a Q & A for parentsHelp parents experience math the way their students doMathematizing for parents at the "sweet spot" level of mathSuggestions for finding Problem Strings to use at math nightsLogistics tips for parent math nightAdvantages of a series of parent nights

How can we proactively partner with and support parents? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss ways they over communicate to parents to keep parents involved and not confused. Talking Points: Newsletters: What is helpful information and tips for parents I can share?Parent-teacher conferences: What can I share with parents about math other than just grades?Homework assignments: I don't like drill and kill. What kinds of homework are helpful for students and parents? 

Parents are so important, and sometimes they get concerned when their child isn't being taught math they way they were expecting. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss hearing parents' concerns and helping them feel heard and then helping them understand the math. We appreciate parents and we are better with them!Talking Points:We want invested parentsParents need to be heard, and then they need to understandThe importance of listening to understand