We know that mathematically proficient students engage in the practice standards consistently. Learn how all 8 are embedded into SoE.

All Structures of Equality have 3 components: values, labels, and equality. Learn about the line of equality and why it’s important.

Simple but not easy You’ve likely heard the saying nothing good comes without hard work. Last week, you were privy to a conversation with a 4th grade teacher who recently started implementing Structures of Equality (SoE) in her classroom. There was a point where she wanted to give up. Her students couldn’t figure out what word […]

Structures of Equality takes the best of bar models and CGI and adds in a few key elements to help students visualize what is happening in story problems.

Last week, you saw an example of how keywords can cause confusion when students are given a problem with a comparison situation. Today, you’ll see two word problem strategies side by side: CUBES and Structures of Equality (SoE). Look for 3 key things while you work your way through the strategies: First, let’s take a […]

Using keywords is a common strategy. While they seem like a helpful tip, they often add to the confusion.

“Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them” is the first of the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practice. Comprehension of word problems is also one of the most baffling tasks for teachers and students. A Quick Refresher In the last couple weeks, we explored two structures: Parts Equal Total and Repeated Equal Groups. Parts […]

I once heard a math teacher describe word problems as “the bane of her existence”. I completely understand that sentiment. Students don’t know what the problem is asking, choose random operations, or give up completely. That’s why I created Structures of Equality.  If you haven’t been following along, you’ll probably want to start with my […]

There are so many word problem strategies to choose from. It can be confusing to figure out which ones to use or not use, and how to teach so students understand them. When I was in the classroom, I came across tons of tips and tricks, but they seemed to confuse my students more. Teaching […]

Bar models are the foundation for SoE. Learn how they’re enhanced through the structures.

Take a peek at the data from 3 classrooms. They range from little/no use to consistent use of SoE>

(updated July 2024) There are 3 Structures of Equality (SoE). They each have 3 critical elements to help students comprehend number stories.