Comprehending number stories can be challenging. For students who are ELL, there’s an added layer of difficulty. But there are strategies that help.

March 6, 2024

Do your ELL students struggle with reading comprehension?

Finding the math main idea of a number story is an important part of helping students understand what problems are asking.

February 28, 2024

The Math Main Idea: how to find the main idea of a number story

Often it’s not a student’s ability or skill that holds them back. Fixed mindsets are prevalent and they can be really harmful. Learn how to instill a growth mindset.

February 21, 2024

Do your students lack a growth mindset with word problems in math?

The idea of unit is foundational to math. Learn why they’re also critical to comprehension of number stories.

February 7, 2024

Why are units important in math and for understanding number stories (aka word problems)?

Word problems, or number stories as I call them, can be hard. But they necessary and have tons of benefits for your students.

January 31, 2024

Why are word problems important in math?

Visual representations are important at all levels of mathematics. They help students see the math. And when we can visualize what’s happening within a problem, it helps us understand abstract concepts.

January 24, 2024

Why is visual representation in math important?

Number stories that include multiplicative relationships can be a challenge. The Repeated Equal Groups (REG) structure helps students understand what’s happening in the problem.

January 17, 2024

Solving multiplication and division word problems with the Repeated Equal Groups Structure

The Compare structure helps students visualize the comparison relationship that occurs in some number stories. Find out how to use it.

January 10, 2024

How to solve word problems with comparisons using the Compare SoE structure

Parts Equal Total helps us model math stories that describe composing 2 or more parts to form a total. Learn how to introduce and use them.

January 6, 2024

A deep dive into the Parts Equal Total (PET) Structure

Meet Jasmin Nabors, a 4th grade teacher in Durham, NC. She’ll share her struggles and successes with SoE, along with a few tips.

December 13, 2023

A teacher’s journey to help students solve word problems

Mindset is a powerful thing. Learn how fixed mindsets can negatively impact students and how to help them develop growth mindsets.

December 6, 2023

Sometimes it’s not the math that’s the problem

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

November 29, 2023

The Standards for Mathematical Practice and SoE