Ep 293: What Makes a Good Number Talk?

Introducing new math concepts can be tricky. In this episode, Pam and Kim do a Problem String to introduce logarithms in a natural, figureoutable way.Talking PointsProblem String to introduce students to logarithmsDifferences between logarithms and algorithmsRelationship between logarithms and exponentsDeveloping exponential equationsCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 28, 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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Are your Number Talks purposeful? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the when, how, and why of Number Talks, which they call Problem Talks.Talking Points:Problem Talk vs. Problem StringWhen and why to use a Problem TalkExample Problem Talk of 15 x 36Deciding whose strategy to representProblem Talks are still instructionalHow many students to chooseChoosing a rich problem  For more about Problem Talks and Problem Strings, check out episodes 33 and 241.  Episode 33 , Episode 241Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 21, 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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

There is much more to fractions than "cross multiply and divide". In this episode, Pam and Kim facilitate a Problem String to explore the partitive meaning of fractions.Talking Points:Fractions and divisionThe partitive meaning of fractionsEquivalent fractionsRelational reasoning in understanding fractionsScaling up or down to find equivalent, simpler problemsCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 14, 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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Part of being a good teacher is teaching with integrity and consistency. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the importance of knowing your beliefs about teaching and learning math to guide your choices and decision making.Talking Points:Mathematics is hierarchical Development of Mathematical Reasoning frameworkKnow your content, know your kidsSuccess Map frameworkDeveloping a cohesive vision for math and math teachingDecision making about the what and how of teaching mathCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 7, 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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

How did you grow in 2025? What are your goals for 2026? In this podcast, Pam and Kim reflect on 2025 and share the exciting things they are working towards in 2026.Talking Points:Recapping highlights of 2025Problem String book series completedDevelopment of Mathematical Reasoning anchor and companion booksFoundations for StrategiesNew workshops in 2025 and 2026 Free opportunities in 2026Conferences in 2026Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 31, 2025. 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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education