Ep 304: Context, Models, and Strategy for a Better CRA

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 29, 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.Register for FREE  FRACTION CHALLENGE LIVE EVENT: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/challengeMath is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.Twitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Can you use an algorithm to solve every type of problem, or are there some problems for which algorithms leave you stranded? In this episode, Pam and Kim answer that question and share a Problem String to build fractional fluency.Talking Points:Importance of understanding the relationships between different fractions.Making sense of equivalent fraction values through experiences rather than memorized procedures.Problem Strings provide continual building and strengthening of relationships and skills.Problems Strings send the message it is not about one and only one way.Register for FREE  FRACTION CHALLENGE LIVE EVENT: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/challengeMath is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck 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 April 22, 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

Looking for useful games and materials for your classroom? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss some of the classroom materials and games they love and what makes them great.Talking Points:Games and resources that do NOT lead towards an algorithmThe value of games with strategy choice and without time/speed Hand2mind Foundations for StrategiesNumber Hive games for differentiation and to practice factsMath For Love gamesNumberClub games to build understanding Wipebooks for Rich TasksRegister for FREE  FRACTION CHALLENGE LIVE EVENT: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/challengeCheck 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 April 15, 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 should context and models be used to build strategy? In this episode, Pam and Kim share a sequence of tasks regarding area to demonstrate a better approach for building understanding, abstraction, and strategy as a natural outcome.Talking PointsHand2mind Foundations for StrategiesUse of manipulatives to feel the meaning of areaGuiding students to become more sophisticated, both in models and in strategies The importance of context for clarity and developing strategyMoving from concrete, to representational, to abstract to deepen understanding, strategy, and independence, NOT to apply an algorithmCheck 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 April 8, 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

If multiplication facts are so fundamental, why do students who memorize them struggle with multiplicative reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim take a hard look at what students need to succeed multiplicatively.Talking PointsWhat does it mean to 'know' multiplication facts?Using multiplication to solve subtraction problemsMemorizing facts doesn't build complex multiplicative reasoningRedefining the mathematical 'basics'Applications to algebraHow "productive practice" engages students in meaningful activities to build knowledge                                                  Ep.139: Factor to Add and Subract!?Check 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 April 1, 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 can we prepare students to grapple with algebraic concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim further adapt factor puzzles for developing understanding of both decomposing and combining expressions. Talking Points:Helping students understand algebraic expressionsDifferences in adding and multiplying variablesRelationships between terms in algebraic expressionsThe need for multiplicative reasoning in algebraAdvanced Factor Puzzles for high schoolLinks:                                                        1) Ep.139: Factor to Add and Subract!?2) Factor Puzzle BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC