Structures in Use
The idea of unit is foundational to math. Learn why they’re also critical to comprehension of number stories.
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.
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.
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.
Updated 8.13.2025 We recently looked at 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, a procedural method, and Structures of Equality (SoE), a framework for comprehension. Here are 3 ideas to consider while you look at the […]
Using keywords is a common strategy. While they seem like a helpful tip, they often add to the confusion.
Updated July 30, 2025 Comprehension of word problems is also one of the most baffling tasks for teachers and students. While we know the importance of helping students become proficient mathematicians who can “make sense of problems and persevere in solving them”, this is no easy feat. A Quick Refresher WIn the last couple weeks, […]
Updated July 30, 2025 I once heard a math teacher describe word problems as “the bane of her existence”. I completely “Word problems are the bane of my existence.” I once heard a math teacher describe math stories this way, and I completely get it. There are common challenges across many classrooms: students don’t know […]
