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Practical Ideas for Elementary Math Teachers

Classroom-tested strategies for word problems, number sense, and making math meaningful.

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A student rereads the same three lines of a word problem, over and over, and eventually just stops. She’s not lazy; her working memory is full. This post breaks down why structure, not more repetition, is what actually frees up space for kids to think.

September 16, 2026

Why Students Reread the Same Word Problem Over and Over 

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Numberless word problems are powerful, but fully removing numbers isn’t always the right move. Learn 4 approaches that keep students focused on the relationship, not the calculation.

March 25, 2026

How to Choose the Right Word Problem Strategy

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Productive struggle isn’t about frustration. It’s about giving students the right kind of challenge, paired with structure and support, so they can reason, make sense of problems, and build confidence.

September 3, 2025

Why Productive Struggle Matters and What It Looks Like in Math

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Subtraction isn’t about taking something away. It’s about making sense of relationships. See why “take away” leads to misconceptions and how to shift your language.

July 9, 2025

Subtraction Does Not Mean “Take Away”

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