Reasoning – the Greatest Test Prep!
Standardized tests require students to engage independently – without instructional support – and consider a wide range of content and contexts in one sitting. While students can complete many practice tests ahead of time, we know that developing thinking and reasoning will serve students more effectively in the long...
Annotation: An Essential Teaching Strategy to Make Thinking Visible
Read more in this CMC ComMuniCator article, March 2023, Annotation: An Essential Teaching Strategy to Make Thinking Visible
Starting the Year with Contemplate then Calculate
Contemplate then Calculate your way into the school year! Reset for 2022-2023 This summer, more and more teachers are preparing to start their school year with a week of Contemplate then Calculate. They see the routine as a powerful vehicle for establishing a strong culture for learning. We couldn’t agree...
Contemplate then Calculate
Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12, NCTM Volume 115 Issue 1 What is structural thinking and how do we teach it? Explore the NCTM article and access supplementary materials on NCTM’s website Explore additional resources on NCTM’s website We’d love to hear what you think!
Mathematical Thinking Opens Doors for Students with Learning Disabilities
We are convinced that not only are students with learning disabilities capable of thinking mathematically, but mathematical thinking serves as a powerful learning support for those who struggle in mathematics. However, all too often the math learning experiences of students with learning differences are devoid of reasoning and problem...
Mathematical Thinking Goals for Students on IEPs
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) goals serve to focus and measure our work with students who have identified learning disabilities. They are the result of collaboration between educators, families, and sometimes even the student. The goals communicate beliefs and expectations for the progress students will make in a given year...
Accelerating Unfinished Learning
It has never been more imperative that we develop mathematical thinking in students. The Covid-19 pandemic caused significant loss of in-person classroom instructional time that will never be recuperated. We simply don’t have the capacity to teach every procedure, process, and fact that we may have in the past....
#CovidSilverLinings
In New England, when March arrives, we lift our heads and look to Spring. And, 2021 is no different! Optimism is in the air – vaccines are being distributed, Covid numbers are down, and temperatures are above freezing! As we take stock on this first day of March, we are...
Mathematical thinking & language are threads of a single fabric
Language in Mathematical Thinking You just can’t think mathematically without language. (Try it!) You may have internal thought bubbles, talk to yourself aloud, or collaborate with others. However, if you are thinking mathematically, you are calling upon language. And, working through ideas verbally supports and develops mathematical thinking. As...
Teach your students to read and interpret word problems in a remote setting: 3 Critical Components
Leverage Routines As we well know, routines support classroom efficiency by providing a predictable means for students to go about regular classroom activities like organizing materials, lining up, placing lunch orders, turning in notes from home/homework, etc. Instructional routines provide the same benefits, but within the context of teaching...