Math is Figure-Out-Able!

In this episode Pam and Kim finish up their money Problem String from the last episode. But first, Pam wanted to reflect a little on how she was less than helpful when Kim was struggling to think about nickels. We all learn and grow, and self-reflection is super important!Talking Points:Do you need time, or do you need help? (see episode 40)Once kids have an answer, do we force them to find another way?For which denominators is thinking about money helpful?Ways to think about 2 2/5 minus 9/20The reciprocal relationships between fractions and coins can be confusingFractional equivalence is the goal by asking students to add and subtract fractions

It's time to talk about everyone's two favorite things: fractions and money! Fraction equivalence is a super important concept in mathematics, and it is best developed naturally in a familiar context. In this episode Pam and Kim model using coin denominations to  reason about fractional equivalence. Talking Points:If you understand fractional equivalence, you don't have to memorize any rules for operators of fractionsExamples of using the money model to think about fraction equivalence, and bonus, fraction operations as well:Using decimals and fraction notation interchangeablyKim's uncomfortable relationship with nickels

Let's keep talking fractions! In this episode Pam and Kim discuss an interesting rich task from Cathy Fosnot to help students reason about fractions within the context of sharing fairly. Listen in to learn about the outcomes teachers should look for when teaching fractional sense in a rich contextual problem.Talking Points:Splitting the wholes into unit fractions Splitting the leftovers into smaller unit fractions and re-unitizingPatterns when comparing same-denominator fractions vs same-numerator fractionsSee Ep 103 for more discussion on Rich TasksAdditional Sources:  Field Trips and Fund-Raisers

How young can young learners begin to experience fractions? Younger than you think! In this episode Pam and Kim describe simple ways we can help young students begin to develop fractional understanding. Pay attention to how natural it can be for young learners to learn math!Talking PointsStruggles that young learners may experience with "half"Simple classroom activities to have students fair shares in early grades as they practice countingExperiences and conversations in halving even and odd amountsStandards and fractions of an object vs fraction of a setImportant unit fractions and resourcesDoubling and halving simultaneouslySimple experiences parents can use to help their kids develop fractional understanding Additional sources:Beads, Shoes and Making TwosGames for Early Number Sense

Time to get into fractions! There is so much to learn about teaching fractions and in this episode we wanted to lay some important ground work.  All too often we limit students by giving them experience with only one or two of the important ways fractions can be interpreted. When we help students fully understand fractions by using all of the interpretations, their ability to think proportionally skyrockets!Talking PointsWhat is a rational number?The 5 Interpretations of Rational Numbers (Credit to Susan Lamon)Solving fractions with reasoning!Shifting between the 5 interpretations as we solveApplying all 5 interpretations to one problem

Though some people think Kim and Pam's voices are hard to tell apart, teaching Real Math has nothing to do with a particular style or even personality type. We believe in seeing the humanity in students and empowering them with mathematical confidence!Talking Points:Pam and Kim's results on the Enneagram Test.2 important things - Teaching Real Math is more about beliefs about students and mathematics than personalityLeverage your beliefs to get support in teaching Real Math.

If there's one thing that often comes up in teachers' conversations, it's standardized tests. And Pam and Kim are not afraid to tackle the tough conversations! In this episode Pam asks Kim about her experience with standardized tests, and how teaching Real Math helped Kim's students to succeed. Also don't forget to send in questions for our special 50th episode! We're so excited!Talking Points:Can students succeed on tests if all they know is Real Math?Everyone, in every demographic, can learn more Real Math than fake math.How much time do students need to prepare for tests? Suggestions for test prep.How teachers view the test and their actions speak loudlyIt's all about "know your content, know your kids".Learn about numberless word problems here: https://bstockus.wordpress.com/numberless-word-problems/

In this final episode in our series on homework, Pam and Kim discuss what types of homework teachers should send out, as well as some important pitfalls to avoid. Talking Points:Pen and paper homeworkGames as homework and things to considerComputer activities as homework and things to considerCommunication is critical to honor family time when assigning homeworkUsing homework as a teaching tool, not for the sake of workBe sure you are sending the right message about mathematics when looking at returned homework.How the goal of Real Math helps teachers make decisions about homework

It's part two of our series on homework! Last time we heard Kim's perspective on when and what kinds of homework to give. Now it's Pam's turn. As a teacher for both high school and university classes, Pam gives an insightful look into when homework is necessary, and how we can always allow the humanity of our students to have precedence.Talking points:What does the research say about homework? How does it vary by grade level?What is the purpose of homework?How much homework should students have?What topics should homework cover?The role of students' humanity in grades and homework.

Welcome to our first off the cuff episode! Pam and Kim have no notes this time and are happy to tackle the topic of homework. Turns out, they have enough to say that this will be part one of a new series! Listen in as Kim makes a confession, and Pam rats out her kids. Talking points:Some general thoughts about homework.When is a topic appropriate to send home for homework?Some suggestions for the kinds of homework we should send homeParent's role in homework and how can homework be helpful?