With so many models, what role do equations play? In this episode, Kim takes Pam through a Problem String that can only be modeled with equations and shares why.

Talking Points:

• Fibonacci Day
• Utilizing choice is a mathematical behavior
• Differentiating instruction through strategies
• Swapping, not a major strategy, but a fun one
• Models vs. Strategies
• Equations as models for equivalance strategies

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 12, 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: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Understanding math is important, and fun. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the necessity of play in mathematics education and share when, where, and why they each play differently with math.

Talking Points:

• Dr. Brad Ballinger's view that algorithms are...playful??
• The fun and educational value of simply playing with mathmatics 
• How Pam and Kim differ in their purposes and preferences when playing with math
• How #MathStratChat can help you! 

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 5, 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: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

There's a brand new book for K-2 teachers! In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss how strategies in early mathematics build upon each other and increase in sophistication for future learning.

Talking Points:

• Strategies build on each other, algorithms do not
• The importance of building relationships and mental actions in students' brains
• Get to Ten grows up to Get to a Friendly Number
• Add Ten grows up to Add a Friendly Number 
• How the Over and Give and Take strategies help students think outside the problem
• Ways developing strategies allows for differentiation 

Purchasing Information: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in K-2 https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/dmrk2

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 29, 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: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

How can we adjust our teaching to meet the needs of our students? In this episode, Pam proposes a series of rapid-fire pedagogical scenarios for Kim to respond to with her best advice. What will Kim say in 90 seconds or less?

Talking Points:

• What to do about a student who only solves addition problems left to right?
• How to handle a student who always signals to pass during Problem Strings?
• Ways to encourage students to use strategies learned in Problem Strings when doing independent math work.
• Managing students who always yell out answers.
• Using Hint Cards/Clue Cards effectively
• Suggestions for students who have additional time accommodations 
• The importance of knowing your students

For additional information on Hint Cards, listen to Podcast Episode 38: Multiplication Facts: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Pt. 5

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 22, 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: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Pam and Kim went to NCSM and NCTM in Atlanta!  In this episode, they share some of their favorite moments, biggest take-aways, and new insights gleaned from the sessions they attended and the people they met.

Talking Points:

• Discussing the meaning of "algorithm" with Sarah Bush and Karen Karp, authors of The Math Pact 
• Importance of talk moves and listening moves, with Elham Kazemi and Allison Hintz, authors of Intentional Talk And Listening 
• The joy of celebrating someone else's learning from Vanessa Vakharia
• How the Science of Reading does not correlate or correspond with what the people who call themselves the Science of Math are suggesting
• The importance of Affirming Learning Walks
• Clarifying the meaning of the word "procedural", as in "procedural fluency"
• The misleading nature of much of the math research currently being approved by What Works Clearinghouse
• Shout-out to James Tanton for being intellectually curious!

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 15, 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: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education