Today we speak with Tom Marker, a 14 year veteran sixth grade teacher from Ohio! Tom reached out to us to tackle the big struggle of trying to convince his students to avoid rushing to standard algorithms and instead value strategies that can be more meaningful outside the classroom. 

This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through struggles and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them. 

You’ll Learn: 

• The right balance is between conceptual and procedural strategies. 
• How can we manage differing student strategies;
• How to avoid rushing to the algorithm without devaluing this approach from a student; and,
• How calculators can hinder your quest to avoid the rush to the algorithm. 

Resources: 

• Make Math Moments Tasks
• Wooly Worms Race [Fractions 6 Day Problem Based Unit]
• Snack Time [Fractions 5 Day Problem Based Unit]
• Adding It Up [Book]
• Hour Glass Multiples [Lesson on MrOrr-IsAGeek.com]
• The Concept Holding Your Students Back [An Online PD Course]

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Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.