Math is Figure-Out-Able!

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?

In this episode Pam and Kim discuss why a traditional teaching approach is not effective and propose an alternate way of teaching to help every student learn and grow. It's one of their guiding principles, and they can't believe they're only just now sharing it! All students struggle at some point and all students need a challenge, so this is a great listen for everyone!  Talking points: What is the traditional way of teaching?The outcomes of the traditional approach of teaching to masteryHow to help all students grow from wherever they are What are open tasks? The outcomes of an open taskRethinking the question: What if students aren't getting "it"?

We made it to our final episode in our multiplication facts series! In this episode Pam and Kim share ideas about helping kids narrow in on facts they struggle with after many opportunities and experiences with multiplication. This final episode exemplifies why we believe that taking the long view and building relationships and Multiplicative Reasoning all year can help students' fact fluency with just a little nudge.Talking Points:What it means to take the long view in multiplication factsWhen it is appropriate for some work to "dial in" on most missed factsClue Cards: What do they look like? Who makes them? How do you use them?The importance of really knowing your students and how do you get to know them?Final thoughts on fact fluency and recommended additional optional resources:Berkeley Everett's Math FlipsStick and Split appShow links: Math-FlipsStick and SplitFind the transcript here: https://podcast.mathisfigureoutable.com/1062400/8040345-ep-38-multiplication-facts-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-pt-5See episodes 55-56 on helping parents understand your math classroom.