Sometimes it feels like your students are playing a guessing game when it
comes to number stories. Learn how SoE helps them understand and the research that
backs it.

April 2, 2025

The “why” behind SoE: rethinking wordproblems

Ever notice students try to sneak counting on their fingers? Many kids have been told not to. Here’s why they actually should.\

March 26, 2025

Why kids should count on their fingers

Memorizing math facts to ten is helpful, but understanding them is even better. The Parts Equal Total (PET) structure helps kids see number relationships instead of isolated facts, making math more intuitive.

March 19, 2025

Learning math facts to ten with Parts Equal Total (PET)

The best math test prep isn’t about last-minute drills; it’s about giving students strategies to access what they already know. A simple way to help students feel more prepared and confident on test day.

March 12, 2025

The best math test prep strategy you’re probably not using

Anchor charts in your math classroom help make abstract concepts more accessible. They also increase retention and help promote independence.

March 5, 2025

4 Ways to Use Anchor Charts to Increase Learning and Retention in Your Math Classroom

Are your students struggling with the PET structure? Use manipulatives and visual representations to gradually build their confidence and understanding.

February 26, 2025

Helping Students Understand the Total Bar in a PET Structure

Estimation uses number relationships to build reasoning. Strategies like close comparisons, focusing on ‘less,’ and warm-ups increase problem-solving skills.

February 19, 2025

5 Ways to Deepen Mathematical Reasoning with Estimation and Comparison

The Compare structure helps students make sense of ‘more’ and ‘less’, building sense-making and mathematical reasoning skills.

February 12, 2025

How estimation helps with ‘more’ and ‘less’

See how REG and Math Practice Standard 2 work together to help students comprehend word problems, bridging abstract reasoning and real-world problem solving.

February 5, 2025

Extending Understanding: REG, Practice Standard 2, and the Math Main Idea

Are your students focusing too much on choosing the ‘right’ structure? Learn how emphasizing the math main idea with Structures of Equality can change how students approach and solve math word problems.

January 29, 2025

Why asking “which structure?” may not be the right question

If a problem could be modeled with REG or a Compare structure, which is the right one?

January 22, 2025

Repeated Equal Groups or Multiplicative Compare: which SoE should you use?

Choosing the right structure sometimes creates confusion for students and teachers alike. PET? REG? How do you decide?

January 15, 2025

Which structure represents the number story?