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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If a problem could be modeled with REG or a Compare structure, which is the right one?

January 22, 2025

Repeated Equal Groups or Multiplicative Compare: which SoE should you use?

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Learn strategies to support multilingual learners in math by building on prior knowledge, fostering discussion-rich classrooms, and making vocabulary accessible.

December 4, 2024

Making Math Accessible for Multilingual (and all) Learners

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Zero may seem like nothing but it has a big job to do, especially when it comes to place value.

September 18, 2024

What is zero?

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Learn how to create a classroom filled with excitement around math, one where kids are eager to share and talk about their ideas.

September 11, 2024

Math talk moves: how to build a discussion-rich classroom

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Tired of your kids plucking out the numbers and not reading the number story? Try numberless word problems.

September 4, 2024

Numberless word problems: what, why, and how

a number line with equal intervals labeled from 1 to 8
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Find out why number lines shouldn’t be used until 2nd grade and what to use instead.

August 28, 2024

Why number paths should be used instead of number lines

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A resource for teachers and caregivers: how to help with math at home

August 21, 2024

Wondering how to help your child with math at home?

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Make vocabulary accessible to your students with a math word wall.

August 14, 2024

How to create a math word wall: best practices

alt tag: a basket with snap cubes inside, labeled with the word "snap cubes" on the outside and an image of the contents
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Tips to create a math-rich environment in your elementary math classroom.

August 7, 2024

How to create a math-rich environment (and why it matters)

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Watch Valerie Faulkner connect what students know about composing and decomposing numbers to solve with a Parts Equal Total (PET) structure.

May 29, 2024

Using bar models to support students with solving number stories

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Number stories and fractions can both be challening concepts for students to grasp. With SoE, we can scaffold to support comprehension and make difficult tasks much easier.

May 22, 2024

Teaching fractions in number stories: a double Achilles heel

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There’s a place for both conceptual and procedural knowledge in math classrooms. But I do have one exception to my rule.

May 15, 2024

Conceptual vs Procedural Understanding in Math