Math is Figure-Out-Able!

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 30, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation. Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

What does explicit teaching mean to you? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss an Adding Mixed Numbers Problem String, idenitfying exactly what teachers should be explicit about versus what they should leave for students to grapple with. Talking Points: Being explicit about the student's job during a Problem StringWays to nudge students to make connectionsEliciting specific strategiesCreating helper problems Links: 1. Pam's Books 2. Blog Post: Searching for a Better Way Check out Pa...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 23, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation. Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

When do we allow students more freedom, and when do we need to be more explicit? In this episode, Pam and Kim analyze a Distance vs. Removal subtraction Problem String, identifying when they are explicit and when they are not. Talking Points: Intentional contexts, number choices, and problem orderChoosing which strategies to elicit and representPlanned board layouts Focusing the conversation Highlighting mathematical behaviorsLayering explicit content, behavior, and community goals...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 16, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies. Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation. Twitter: @PWHarris Instagram: Pam Harris_math Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education