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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 […]