Math is Figure-Out-Able!

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 2, 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 reasoning about algebraic expressions look like? In this episode, Kim facilitates a Problem String that has Pam solving equations using equivalence.

Talking Points:

• Using comparison to ignore commonalities on both sides of an equation
• Equivalence strategies are the most sophisticated
• Learning to think relationally, rather than procedurally
• Relational thinking builds mathematical identity and genuine engagement

Links:

1. FREE DMR Registration Link
2. Math is Figureoutable Blog
3. Pam's Books

Check out Pam's 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 August 26, 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 

With so much to teach every year, we know you're always looking for the biggest impact for long term success for your students. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss models that grow with students as they learn more and more mathematics.

Talking Points:

• Verticality in practice standards, content progressions, vocabulary, notation, and strategies 
• How area models extend from elementary to high school
• Open number lines mature into double number lines
• Ratio tables can start as early as 3rd grade and scale to decimals, large numbers, proportional relationships.
• How models act as lasting mental anchors, not just "picture drawing" as a substitute for mathematical ability.

Links:

1. FREE DMR Registration Link
2. Math is Figureoutable Blog
3. Pam's Books

Check out Pam's 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 August 19, 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 experiences do you seek out to become a better teacher? In this episode, Pam and Kim describe how experiences lead to beliefs, then actions, and ultimately results, They then explore the most impactful experiences available to teachers and leaders everywhere.

Talking Points:

• "More experiences" means more than just repetition
• Experiences build beliefs that power actions
• The need for multifaceted, varied experiences
• Experiences through workshops
• Experiences through coaching
• Experiences for leaders

Links:

1. FREE DMR Registration Link
2. Math is Figureoutable Blog
3. Pam's Books

Check out Pam's 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 August 12, 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 

Is improving math education as simple as telling teachers and students what actions to take to achieve the desired results? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the Results Pyramid and how experiences are what builds beliefs, which inform the actions that ultimately determine our results.

Talking Points:

• Why the Results Pyramid is a model for lasting change
• The importance of experiences to shift beliefs
• The ineffectiveness of just telling people what actions to take
• Changing beliefs requires well thought out experiences
• The quality of the experience matters 

Links:

1. FREE DMR Registration Link
2. Math is Figureoutable Blog
3. Pam's Books

Check out Pam's 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 July 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. 

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 

Rich Tasks are a powerful lesson structure and can be challenging to implement effectively. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the preparation and approach needed to facilitate a successful Rich Task.

Talking points:

• Know your content, know your students
• Importance of knowing who engages or shuts down, students' prior math experiences, who seeks extra challenge, and what's going on in their lives.
• Need to set expectations
• Understanding the vertical and the horizontal math progressions
• Shifting your goals in real time 
• Try Problem Strings first

Links:

1. FREE DMR Registration Link
2. Math is Figureoutable Blog
3. Pam's Books

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