In this episode, get an inside look at three powerful sessions from the 2025 Virtual Math Summit focused on transforming math problem solving in elementary classrooms. Listen to clips from John SanGiovanni sharing a unique routine that shifts focus from answers to understanding, Danielle Moore demonstrating practical strategies for building student independence through CGI instruction, and Christine Riad exploring how classroom culture impacts students' problem-solving confidence. These pre-recorded sessions, along with Ann Elise Record's live session mentioned in episode 186, will give you practical tools to address common struggles students face when solving math problems. Learn how to help students move beyond just asking "Is this addition or subtraction?" to becoming confident mathematical thinkers. Register for free at VirtualMathSummit.com to watch these transformative sessions February 22nd & 23rd.

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/ 

Upgrade to have extended access to Virtual Math Summit sessions at VirtualMathSummit.com/upgrade 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/187  

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

In this episode, get a sneak peek at the live sessions happening at the 2025 Virtual Math Summit. Learn about sessions from renowned math educators including Pam Harris on moving beyond algorithms, Shannon Olson on connecting mathematical representations, Kim Rimbey's innovative approach to ten-frames, Latrenda Knighten's strategies for mathematical discourse, and Ann Elise Record's deep dive into visualizing problem-solving structures. These live sessions, happening February 22nd-23rd, are designed to give you practical, classroom-ready strategies you can implement immediately. Register for free at VirtualMathSummit.com and learn about options for extended viewing of all sessions at VirtualMathSummit.com/upgrade.

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/ 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/186  

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

In Episode 185, we dive into Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC), one of the most transformative approaches in mathematics education. Learn why this popular teaching method is more than just vertical surfaces and random groups - it's about creating environments where students truly think and engage with mathematics. This episode addresses a common misconception about BTC and previews the Peter Liljedahl & Maegan Giroux’s 2025 Virtual Math Summit opening keynote. Plus, get insights from their new book 'Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom.' Whether you're new to BTC or looking to deepen your practice, this episode gives you some important things to contemplate so you can implement thinking classrooms effectively.

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/ 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/185  

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds 

Transform both your math AND reading instruction with two powerful game-based resources! In this episode, discover how to implement engaging games that provide meaningful practice without the typical hassles of game setup and complicated rules. Learn about Reading Simplified's "Switch It" game for building foundational reading skills, and explore the versatile "Evergreen Games" for math practice that can be adapted for any math concept throughout the year. These games offer the perfect balance of fun and learning, allowing students to get multiple repetitions while actually enjoying the practice!

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about two free game resources for math and reading

• Discover how to adapt games for different math concepts

• Understand why games are more effective than worksheets

• Access templates you can use all year long

Request Switch It! from Reading Simplified here: https://readingsimplified.com/switch-it/?utm_source=Affiliate&utm_campaign=BMM 

Get the Evergreen Games Template document here: buildmathminds.com/games 

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/ 

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/184  

The Count is an activity from John SanGiovanni's book that turns simple counting into a deep mathematical exploration. In this episode, learn how this routine helps elementary students engage with Math Practice #7 by looking for and making use of mathematical structure. We'll break down how a seemingly simple counting sequence can develop number sense, encourage mathematical thinking, and create a low-pressure environment for pattern recognition. 

Key Takeaways:

• Learn what "The Count" activity is and how to implement it

• Understand how counting can develop deeper mathematical thinking

• Questions to help students look for and use the patterns created by the structure of numbers

 To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/183  

Get the special offer to join the Build Math Minds PD site at https://buildmathminds.com/special 

Discover how Visual Patterns can transform mathematical thinking in your elementary classroom! Listen in as we explore Fawn Nguyen's powerful activity that engages students in all 8 Standards of Mathematical Practice. Learn how a single activity can help students reason, argue, model, and see the hidden structures in mathematics. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to make math more engaging, meaningful, and accessible for their students.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how Visual Patterns support mathematical thinking

• Learn strategies to engage students across all Math Practice Standards

• Discover a low-prep, high-impact math resource

 To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/182  

The predictability of mathematics is one of the things I love about math. There are some great activities you can do in your classroom with your students to help them see & USE that predictability.  Last week I shared one (Leaping Numbers) and this week I’m sharing another: Finding One and All.  This is a great number routine that is similar, yet different, to Number Strings and is a wonderful way to get your students engaged in Math Practice #7: Look For and Make Use of Structure.

 To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/181  

For Build Math Minds Members, log in here to access the done-for-you routine: https://pd.buildmathminds.com/ 

If you aren’t a member you can join here: https://buildmathminds.com/bmm/ 

Want a fun, engaging, and mathematically powerful activity to help keep your students engaged in math until the holiday break?  In this episode I’m sharing a new activity by one of my favorite creators, Steve Wyborney, Leaping Numbers.  This activity is a great way to get your students doing Standard of Math Practice #7: Look For & Make Use of Structure.

 To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/180  

Math tricks or hacks are everywhere, but which ones should you actually use with your students?  I came across one this week on social media and thought I’d use it as an example to give you some ideas on how to approach the use of math tricks in your classroom.

 To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/179  

This week’s episode comes from a question that was sent in about helping students who struggle with math problems that are written differently than kids typically see them.  These types of “less than” math problems are strange because kids don’t often encounter them in that way even in their own lives.  I’m giving you two tips to help students so that these types of problems aren’t so difficult for them.

 To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds 

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/178