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The Teacher Studio

Learning, thinking, creating

Open Ended Problem Solving

As you know, I am a huge believer in incorporating problem solving into math class whenever possible.  Over the years, it is has become more and more clear that students are on a quest to "get the right answer".  They don't value the problem solving process as much as what gets written on the line at the end--and I started my quest to change that thinking. I want my students to enjoy ... Read the Post

Teaching Cooperative Problem Solving

As we have been building more and routines into our days, I have been working on starting to improve the QUALITY of our partnering and small group work.  It has been interesting to watch, for sure--which students take charge...which ones sit back...which ones are off task...which ones don't know how to get started...and which ones rush through their work.  Now that I have a better ... Read the Post

CGI Math: What is it?

One thing that I know to be true is that sometimes we need to hear/see/read things more than once before they really sink in. This week's "Texts on Tuesdays" is a throwback to a post from LAST summer...with a few changes.  If you aren't familiar with CGI math, I can't suggest enough that you dig in and learn as much as you can. Whether you teach primary or intermediate students, understanding how ... Read the Post

Problem Solving Discussion Groups

Today is my day to post over on Upper Elementary Snapshots, and I'd love for you to stop by and check out a super easy strategy you could try to work more mathematical discourse and accountable talk into your math class.  Just click the image to take you there! Have a great rest of your weekend...and I can't help but note that today is my--GET THIS--599th post!  I can't even believe ... Read the Post

Open Ended Math Challenges–Bundled for YOU!

OK...you asked for it--and it's here! By POPULAR REQUEST! I have been asked many times to bundle my "Thinker Task" open ended math challenges--and I have finally done it! This is a "growing" bundle...which means that right now it has all 6 of the current Thinker Tasks...but as I add more to the collection, they will be added to the bundle...so people who own the bundle will have access to all ... Read the Post

“Thinker Tasks” Open Ended Problem Solving

One of my biggest "worries" about elementary math programs is the "fill in the blank" nature of the consumable workbooks that come rolled into the package most schools buy.  I get it.  There is a certain degree of accountability, of convenience when you have a structure for students and teachers to follow as they navigate a year-long curriculum. My biggest complaint is that students ... Read the Post