the Structures of Equality book is now available!

Practical Ideas for Elementary Math Teachers

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

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Writing an equation from a Repeated Equal Groups model is possible but only after students understand what the structure is showing. Here’s how to make that connection explicit.

May 13, 2026

How to Help Students Write Equations from a Repeated Equal Groups Model

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The Compare structure doesn’t just show the relationship; it shows the equation. Here’s how to help students see what’s already there before they write anything down.

May 6, 2026

How to Help Students Write Equations from a Compare Model

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Do your students struggle to write equations from models? Here’s how to help them translate.

April 29, 2026

Why Students Can Draw Math Models but Struggle to Write Equations 

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The questions we ask during word problems shape how students think about math. Here’s what to ask instead and why it changes everything.

April 22, 2026

Better Questions for Math Word Problems

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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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Removing the numbers is just the beginning. Learn how to use a 3-day numberless word problem progression to help students slow down and make sense of math stories.

March 18, 2026

How to Teach Numberless Word Problems: A 3-Day Comprehension Progression

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We’ve all said it. “In a minute.” “Just add a zero.” “The bigger half.” Find out why precision of language isn’t about being picky—it’s about making math more visible, accessible, and meaningful for every learner.

February 18, 2026

Precision of Language in Math: Why the Words We Choose Matter

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A resource for caregivers to help their child make sense of math word problems. Learn how to spot the math main idea and support understanding at home.

January 21, 2026

Helping Your Child Make Sense of Word Problems

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CGI teaches students to think, not just memorize, but what if there’s one key piece missing? Learn one small shift for a huge impact. (And no, you don’t have to abandon your CGI problems!)

January 14, 2026

What’s Missing from CGI? 

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After three years with Structures of Equality, fourth grade teacher Jasmin isn’t just trying it out, she’s all in. Her story offers insight into what changes when comprehension leads and scaffolds support real thinking.

September 10, 2025

Three Years In: A Teacher’s Journey with SoE

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Explore how early math routines help students understand that numbers are composed of other numbers: a foundational idea that supports place value, fractions, and meaningful problem solving.

August 6, 2025

Numbers Are Composed of Other Numbers

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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”