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Educators know what a good mathematics classroom looks like (see the Math Solutions Instructional Practices Inventory) and we want to provide this type of learning environment for every one of our students. Unfortunately, implementation of research-based instructional practices across all mathematics classrooms has proven challenging. This is due, in part, to a phenomenon known as…

In her book Faster Isn’t Smarter: Messages about Math, Teaching, and Learning in the 21st Century, Cathy Seeley talks about the importance of providing students with opportunities for constructive struggle through problem-solving experiences that are both engaging and challenging. As students engage in constructive struggle, they construct deep personal understanding of the mathematical ideas that…

Do you want to inspire a culture of mathematics in your classroom and school? Join @Math_Solutions for a special  #InspireMathCulture Twitter chat co-hosted with Learning Forward on Wednesday, November 7th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Mary Mitchell, Senior Instructional Designer, and Sue Chapman, Professional Learning Consultant, will co-lead a discussion on how we support teachers’ mathematical identities…

In my early years teaching mathematics, I taught students to compare fractions the way I had learned as an elementary student—convert the fractions so they all have common denominators. However, in my more recent teaching of fractions, I do not teach one method. Instead, I prod students to think, reason, and make sense of comparing…

Kindergarten is an important beginning. It can be the positive start of a child’s lifelong exploration of mathematical ideas or it can lay the first stones in what can become an impenetrable wall between “real math” and “school math.” In Growing Mathematical Ideas in Kindergarten, Linda and Rebeka present their vision of a kindergarten classroom…

It is election season, and social studies teachers all across the country are taking advantage of current events to engage their students and generate greater enthusiasm in their subject. In the presentations I have made over the last couple of months, I have pointed out that mathematics teachers are the “new” social studies teachers. What do I…

In my role as a Director of Professional Learning, I support many district and school leaders with transitioning into instructional leadership roles, so they may better support mathematics educators in their schools. Leadership support is crucial for teachers as well as their students, not only for promoting student-centered learning, but also in addressing and incorporating…

During our first live Twitter® #InspireMathCulture chat with Director of Professional Learning Nikki Lalonde and Professional Learning Consultant Nicole Bridge, we explored what a positive math culture looks like in a classroom and school, and why it’s so important to student outcomes. Participants shared actionable strategies they use in their classrooms to foster a culture…

Do you want to inspire a culture of mathematics in your classroom and school? Join @Math_Solutions for our October #InspireMathCulture Twitter chat on Tuesday, October 2nd at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Nikki Lalonde, Director of Professional Learning, and Nicole Bridge, Professional Learning Consultant, will co-lead a discussion on how we build a positive math community, and how…

Setting the Stage for Making Sense of Math is the second in a four-part blog series on inspiring math achievement in the classroom. To read the first blog post, head over here. At the beginning of a unit on decimals, I wanted students to connect to what they already knew about whole number place value. I…