Math is Figure-Out-Able!

Are your Number Talks purposeful? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the when, how, and why of Number Talks, which they call Problem Talks. Talking Points: Problem Talk vs. Problem String When and why to use a Problem Talk Example Problem Talk of 15 x 36 Deciding whose strategy to represent Problem Talks are still instructional How many students to choose Choosing a rich problem   For more about...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 21, 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 Har...

There is much more to fractions than "cross multiply and divide". In this episode, Pam and Kim facilitate a Problem String to explore the partitive meaning of fractions. Talking Points: Fractions and division The partitive meaning of fractions Equivalent fractions Relational reasoning in understanding fractions Scaling up or down to find equivalent, simpler problems Check out our social...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 14, 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 Har...

Part of being a good teacher is teaching with integrity and consistency. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the importance of knowing your beliefs about teaching and learning math to guide your choices and decision making. Talking Points: Mathematics is hierarchical  Development of Mathematical Reasoning framework Know your content, know your kids Success Map framework Developing a cohesive visi...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 7, 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 Harr...

How did you grow in 2025? What are your goals for 2026? In this podcast, Pam and Kim reflect on 2025 and share the exciting things they are working towards in 2026. Talking Points: Recapping highlights of 2025 Problem String book series completed Development of Mathematical Reasoning anchor and companion books Foundations for Strategies New workshops in 2025 and 2026  Free opportunities in 2026 Co...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 31, 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 Ha...

All teachers are different, but we should all teach intentionally. In this episode, Kim surprises Pam with a collection of favorite "Pam-isms" and asks Pam to elaborate on whether each one is an intentional teacher move and why it is important, or if it is just her personality. Talking Points Ninety-niiiiiiiiine... Is that legal? Isn't it nice, when the answer is the question? Sit u...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 24, 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 Ha...

In the season of giving, Math is Figure-Out-Able is giving some free stuff to you! In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss free opportunities to learn and grow as a teacher. Talking Points: Join the Teacher Facebook Group Podcast Episodes 156 "Start Here" Development of Mathematical Reasoning Episodes 5, 6, 67, 68 Focus on Fluency in Episode 277 Math is FigureOutAble Blog Problem String Vid...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 17, 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 Ha...

Who does not love free? We do, and know you do too! In this episode, Pam and Kim kick of the 12 Days of Free, Math is Figureoutable style! Tune in to hear the first 6 FREE opportunities for supporting your math teaching. Talking Points: The Most Important Numeracy Strategies ebook #MathStratChat TryThisTuesday/Thursday Problem Strings Guide Math if Figure-out-Able Podcast favorite 3 episodes How t...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 10, 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 Ha...

Why do we listen to student thinking? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss how listening is a powerful tool for both coaching and teaching. Talking Points: Why do we listen? What do we do after listening? Listening in service of moving the student or teacher forward The Success Map and Developing Mathematical Reasoning Affirming Learning Walks  Distinguishing methods from end goals Mathematical an...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 3, 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 Har...

Sometimes a little shift makes all the difference. In this episode, Pam and Kim describe the new mini workshop for introducing secondary teachers to the small shifts in their teaching that can bring reasoning into their classrooms. Talking Points: Cathy Fosnot's 'Young Mathematicians At Work' Introducing new 'mini' workshops on Transforming Teaching 6-12 Bridging the gap b...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 26, 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 Ha...

As the end of the year gets closer, it's a great time to reflect what and who we are grateful for! In this episode, Pam and Kim pause to give thanks for the wonderful work being done around the world to make math more figureoutable. Talking Points: Grateful for YOU, listeners! Grateful for our amazing teacher Facebook group Grateful for our Journey and JourneyLeader communities Grateful for t...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 19, 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 Ha...

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 Ch...

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 Ha...

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...

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 Har...

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 Te...