Venn diagram of the concrete, representational, and abstract stages of the CRA framework in math

What is CRA and what does it look like in early math classrooms? Explore best practices for this approach.

May 1, 2024

Understanding the CRA framework in early math

The idea of fewer is a difficult concept to understand. There are lots of reasons why, like you can’t actually see fewer. No wonder it’s a challenging idea for students!

April 24, 2024

Teaching fewer in math: sense-making with visual representations

Jasmin, a 4th grade teacher from Durham, NC, shares the highs and lows with implementing Structures of Equality in her classroom. You don’t want to miss this interview.

April 17, 2024

Tales of a Fourth Grade Teacher: Using SoE to Help Students with Math Number Stories

The idea of acting out a story problem is probably not new to you. For years, I’ve heard people say “Act it out.” But no one ever told me how to solve a story problem this way. Today, we’ll talk about how to use this strategy effectively and how to connect it to the use […]

April 10, 2024

How to solve a story problem by acting it out and using models

It’s that time of year. If you haven’t already heard people talking about end-of-the-year standardized tests and math test prep, those conversations will be picking up soon. The most common question I hear is “How can I get my kids ready for the test?” Today we’ll talk about some effective strategies to make sure your […]

April 3, 2024

Math test prep: how can I get my kids ready for the test?

What is subitizing? Have you ever noticed how quickly you can recognize the number of fingers someone is holding up? Or how many dots there are on a die? That’s subitizing (soo-bi-tiz-ing)! And it’s a critical foundational skill. This blog will cover everything you need to know about what it is, why it’s important, practical tips […]

March 27, 2024

What is subitizing and why is it important?

Before we ever ask students to solve number stories, there are foundational skills they should have. The critical learning phases can help us identify when they’re ready.

March 20, 2024

Navigating critical learning phases and their impact on solving word problems

Math and arithmetic are often used interchangeably. But there’s a difference between arithmetic and mathematics. And it impacts our practices in the classroom.

March 13, 2024

What is the difference between arithmetic and mathematics?

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)?