Math is Figure-Out-Able!

So are percents really figure-out-able too? In this episode Pam and Kim do a Problem String and share their strategies to solve some percent problems. Listen in as they play with percents!Talking Points:Can we make math fun?Benchmarks that kids need to know around percentsPercent Problem String

Pam and Kim explore what it means to be flexible with fractions, decimals, and percents. They discuss how we can become more flexible as we deal with rational numbers to help us be more judicious problem solvers.Talking Points:Why kids of today are more familiar with percentagesUsing benchmark fractions, decimals and percentagesHow students might mess with gnarly fractions, decimals and percentsWhy flexibility mattersHow to become more flexible using different representations of rational numbers

You might want your magnifying glass for this one, because in this episode we're getting a little nitpicky. Pam and Kim discuss common and often traditional nomenclature/math-slang that can take the reasoning out of mathematics. They offer useful alternatives and illustrate the importance of using clear mathematical language so students have less opportunites for misunderstaning the mathematics.Talking Points:Adding a zeroNo 'Butt-Cheeks' in math'Canceling' can means many different thingsWill reducing 6/8ths to 3/4s give me more pie...?Three-point-two or three and 2 tentsh or $3 and 20 cents?'Over' is a positional word, not a mathematical relationship'And' in bigger numbersSee Episode 140 for further discussion of more unhelpful words we use in math class.

Math is Figure-Out-Able, but surely there are some parts that are only memorizable, right? In this episode Pam and Kim parse out the difference between social knowledge and logical mathematical knowledge. They explain how knowing the difference can help determine how we teach the content.Talking Points:What is the difference between social and logical knowledge?What are some examples for elementary and higher math?How should we teach social knowledge?How should we teach logical knowledge?Is there an occasion where wait time is not helpful?

Discover how different languages name numbers and their impact on children's counting skills. Learn innovative strategies to help kids understand multi-digit numbers and the importance of grasping numerical concepts before formal terms. The podcast features engaging activities, like the Finger Flash game, to enhance number recognition. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of cardinality in early math education, providing real-world examples to support young learners' comprehension.

Have you tried teaching your students "the steps" to approaching word problems, but your students still struggled? Pam and Kim discuss a better way to help kids tackle math problems. They explain why the acronyms and problem annotation methods of the past simply won't cut it. They suggest to help your students live the problem solving process, and not just memorize it. Talking Points:The dangers of teaching and asking kids to memorize "Problem Solving Methods"Engage students in Real Math so that problem solving is a natural outcomeNumberless word problems can be helpfulResources: Brain Bushart's Numberless Word Problems

Pam and Kim have some fun in this episode as they read out a submission from Aaron Houston about his mathy dad and having mathy fun at a restaurant. They talk about the kinds of things parents can do with their kids to have fun mathematizing! Talking Points:I Have, You NeedKids Menus vs Adult MenusGuess my Number gameHow do you think about finding Prime Numbers?Math can be fun!

Pam, an expert in mathematics education, joins Kim, a knowledgeable figure in teaching strategies, to unravel the complexities of math instruction. They discuss five essential layers for effective teaching, highlighting the importance of building numeracy and modeling student thinking. Innovative strategies for problem-solving and effective sequencing of tasks are also covered. They emphasize fostering an inclusive environment and the role of high-leverage questioning techniques to enhance student engagement and understanding.

As Pam and Kim wrap up their series on how to start the school year right, they discuss the importance of having your beliefs about teaching and learning solidified, so that everything that you do fits when making decisions in your classroom. They discuss how they approach analyzing and implementing other's ideas into their teaching practice, without giving up on their integrity.Talking Points:How did Pam get to a point where she know about who she wanted to be as a math teacher?Knowing what you believe about teaching and learning can help you make choices.It's more about a common belief system that personality with co-teachersIntentional use of worksheets & resources can be determined by your teaching beliefsDetermine your system of beliefs so that everything you do fits and works together for studentsCheck out Episodes 114 of this podcast for more ideas about starting your school 

Join Pam and Kim in part two of their Top 3 Things to Start the Year series. This week its all about building a classroom culture where students and students' thinking is valued. They'll talk about how to implement and facilitate familiar tasks and routines remotely and throw out some great advise  that build a community of learners. You won't want to miss it!Talking Points:Building classroom culture is no less important in remote settingsKeeping the Math Practice Standards in mind as remote learning occursDesigning interactive remote learning tips and ideasHow to facilitate Problem Strings remotelyHow to facilitate Rich Tasks remotelyCheck out Episodes 114 of this podcast for more ideas about starting your school Resources:How Pam uses her iPad to facilitate Problem Strings remotely:  https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/how