Math is Figure-Out-Able!

We build addition facts through relationships and fluency through experience.  So what important patterns and relationships can help students master or reason with their single digit addition facts rather than rote memorize? How can we teach those patterns and what experiences can help students automatize and become more fluent with addition facts? In this episode Pam and Kim dig deeper into single addition facts and how we as teachers can can empower students to reason like mathematicians. Talking Points:It's not about speedDoubles are importantThe Shoe GameThe Doubles Game (Cathy Fosnot)Near doublesTen-and or The teensCheck out the patterns we talked about here:  mathisfigureoutable.com/addrelationshipsAnd don't miss registration for one our deep dive workshops! https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/workshops

Addition is figure-out-able! In this episode Pam and Kim describe some of the fundamental patterns students should learn as they get familiar and automatize with their single -addition facts.  We want students at all levels to have access to their facts so they don't bog down every time they encounter them. Talking PointsConnecting the concrete and pictorial experiences to symbolic representation.Tips for using flash cards and addition table.Noticing patterns can reduce the number of addition facts a student needs to fuss with.The role the commutative property plays learning addition facts.When is counting ok.Learning to trust the commutative property.Students need experience, lots of it.Register for the You Can Change Math Class Challenge here: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/changeYou can also register for a deep dive workshop today! Go to https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/workshops to learn more.

So many people get left behind when it comes to higher math, because they never learned mathematize or to think more sophisticatedly and build complex relationships and simultaneity in lower math. Teachers often share that their students lack numbers sense or fluency, specifically lack of memorized basic math facts. That's why in this episode Pam and Kim start a new series on single digit addition fact fluency. Are the facts important? You bet! But how they are taught is even more important to be accessible and equitable for all students.Talking Points:This series is for all grade level teachers!Is speed or quick recall important?Our goal: rote memorization or number relationships?Learn more at bit.ly/pharrisinfo. Don't forget to just the You Can Change Math Class Challenge at https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/change!

We've come to the end of another year, and we'd thought we'd leave you with some suggestions on goals you can set for your teaching. In this episode Pam and Kim highlight some transformative goals that you probably haven't considered before. How could your math class look next year or next semester? Talking Points: Learners setting goals around mathematical behaviors or practice standards. Teacher goals centered around the NCTM mathematics teaching practices. Teacher goal to elicit and use evidence of student thinking. SMART goals. Hey Australia! We appreciate you!

Don't you love the holidays? We sure do! It's such a great excuse to talk math with your family! In this episode Pam and Kim describe some ways (and activities they do) to involve math in their festivities, from formal games like I Have, You Need, Guess My Number, MathStratChat, to simply noticing and wondering. Talking Points: Cooking and Baking Spending Holiday Money Dinner Games Daily Tasks Walks Car Games Notice and Wonder

As we approach Christmas and the holidays, we thought we'd talk about some of our favorite games that we love to gift others! In this episode Pam and Kim share what makes a great mathy game and list a few of their favorites that not only have numbers, but include some with strategy and logic. Also, don't forget to check out some of our Math is Figure-Out-Able merch for your own gift list! Favorite Games: SplendorMulti (by joyfulmathematics.com)  Prime Climb (by mathforlove.com) Tiny Polka Dot (by mathforlove.com) Qwixx Set Proof Mastermind Sequence Rack-O High Ho Cherry-O

We've got another one of our favorite routines for you today! In this episode Pam and Kim demonstrate the Relational Thinking routine, a routine that helps students understand equivalence and become more comfortable with relational strategies. Thanks to the   Cognitively Guided Instruction group for introducing us to this routine!Talking Points:Examples of the routine for all four operationsWhat does the equal sign really mean?Strategies based on equivalence: Give and Take, Constant Difference, Doubling and Halving, Equivalent RatioResources:Find examples of Relational Thinking problems here: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/relational-thinkingFind our Developing Mathematical Reasoning info graphics here:  https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blog/development-4

There are a lot of great instructional routines out there, and today we want to highlight As Close as it Gets. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to use this instructional routine in your classroom and how it can help your students get mathematizing with estimation!Talking Points:A routine to help students learn what Real Math estimation is through reasoning.ExamplesTeacher moves to introduce the routine and common pitfallsWhy do we use the routine?Where to find help for your classroomLearn more about this powerful routine here: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/instructionalroutines

Are your students dumb or smart? Fast or slow? Under achiever or advance achiever? Or are they just your students with varying experiences? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss labels, and the effect they have on you as teachers and your students. They propose a different way to look at your students so that you can provide opportunities and experiences for all students so that they continue to learn and love math.Talking Points:The problem with labels.What do we believe about learning?Focus on providing experience rather than natural talent or ability.      

How can we take what students already know and leverage that to make other mathematical connections? You've probably heard us mention that you should know your content and know your kids, but there's a lot of meaning behind that. In this episode Pam and Kim go in deep on how knowing your content and your kids support effective teaching practices and maximize learning for students.Talking Points:We need to know beyond our standards.Why we need to look vertically and horizontally at our standard's landscape?How knowing our students can help target their individual zone of proximal development.