What’s the Word Problem?
I often work with international Schools where the teachers commit to two-three years and then move on to other schools and other countries. I was surprised by an email this week from a former 3rd-grade teacher I worked with at a school in China. She is now teaching in Malaysia. Hi Cassy, I’ve moved on...but all that bar model training is serving me well at the math PD at my new school! She … [Keep Reading...]
Graphing the Holidays
Originally posted 11/27/2018 Teaching between Thanksgiving and the winter break can be a challenge. How do you keep your students engaged in meaningful math learning while embracing the season? Introducing graphing and data analysis might just be the answer. Imagine starting your day in first grade with a question about favorite holiday treats. Students can answer the question and instantly you … [Keep Reading...]
Who’s doing the talking?
A new school year brings new commitments to improving our practice as teachers of mathematics. One tip I often share with the teachers I coach is, “Ask more and tell less.” Well, that’s easy to say, but what does that look and sound like in the classroom? Often times, the teacher’s guides are written following a more traditional, lecture-style of teaching. They encourage the teacher to model, … [Keep Reading...]
Come see us in April!
We'll be presenting at the following conferences in April. Stop by and say "I'm a Math Champion" to get one of our cool buttons! NCSM Annual Conference 2019 | San Diego April 3 | 1:45 - 2:45 pm No More "Menacing Multiplication" and "Laborious Long Division" - Understanding Procedures through Number Sense in Grades 3-5 As a mathematics leader, how many times have you heard … [Keep Reading...]
My students love math class. In fact, many will tell you math is their favorite subject. Why? They’ll tell you it’s because Singapore math is fun. I’d say it’s because once they understand how math works, they become confident in their abilities. So what exactly is Singapore math? Wait, math from Singapore? Isn’t that … [Keep Reading...]
One of the most Frequently Asked Questions I get is, "What's the difference between Primary Mathematics and Math in Focus?" (It usually comes right after "Wait, there's more than one version of Singapore Math?") Primary Mathematics and Math in Focus are the two principle textbook options for schools considering the … [Keep Reading...]
Announcing: Jumpstart Your Singapore Math® Instruction Workshops for 2019
Back by popular demand! We are pleased to announce the return of Jumpstart, an intensive, two-day workshop for current and potential users of Primary Math and Math in Focus, as well as any … [Keep Reading...]
Word Problem Wednesday – Marbles
This month's Word Problem Wednesday problem comes from an article in the Daily Express, a UK newpaper. The headline teases: This is the maths puzzle that is baffling everyone - but could you solve … [Keep Reading...]
Word Problem Wednesday – Ava, Ben, and Carlos
This month's Word Problem Wednesday problem comes from the chapter on the "Model Method and Algebra" from The Singapore Model Method for Learning Mathematics. The book models the Unitary Method as … [Keep Reading...]
Word Problem Wednesday – Comic Books
This month's Word Problem Wednesday problem comes from the chapter on Real-World Problems Math in Focus 2A: Tom has 275 comic books in his collection. Chris sells 82 comic books to Tom. Then Chris … [Keep Reading...]
Celebrating 10 Years: Giving Thanks and 2018 In Review
In the spring of 2008, armed with tons of enthusiasm (and considerably less experience), I traveled to Bozeman, Montana, for my first-ever solo school training job. At that time, I was already a … [Keep Reading...]
Giving Thanks – Reflecting on An Amazing 2017!
Regular readers might know that I like to pause and take stock at this time of year. I broke that stride in 2016, but I’m doubly grateful to be back on track, with twice as much to share. This … [Keep Reading...]
Giving Thanks – Reflecting on An Outstanding 2015
I don't know about you, but 2015 has come and gone in a flash. Exciting things are happening here in 2016 as this company grows and adds some fabulous training and coaching consultants. But you'll … [Keep Reading...]
Giving Thanks — Looking Back on 2014
I’ve just returned from my tenth consecutive week of travel and welcome the arrival of Thanksgiving. A brief break from out-of-town training and coaching jobs affords the opportunity to once again … [Keep Reading...]
