Math is Figure-Out-Able!

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 16, 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 

Many aspects of teaching can be improved by being more explicit. In this episode, Pam and Kim identify specific categories where explicit teaching is necessary, borrowing Piaget's distinction between social-conventional and logical-mathematical knowledge.

Talking Points:

Being explicit about a goal doesn't mean teaching it as a step-by-step procedure.Good teaching requires explicit goals.Examples of Math Content Goals Examples of Math Behavior Goals Examples of Community Behavior Goals 

Links:

Blog Post: Searching for a Better WayWhich Workshop to Take QUIZBuilding Powerful Mathematics Registration

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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 9, 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 the popular discussion around "explicit teaching" helpful? Do we all envision the same thing? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss their thoughts about "explicit teaching", and which parts of mathematics require explicit teaching, and which do not.

Talking Points:

The difference between social-conventional knowledge and logical- mathematical knowledgeExamples of social knowledge and when students must be told something in mathematicsExamples of logical-mathematical knowledge and how it should be built through experiences, not rote rules.Most of mathematics is logical-mathematical and requires varied experiences.

Links:

Blog Post: Searching for a...

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 equationEquivalence strategies are the most sophisticatedLearning to think relationally, rather than procedurallyRelational thinking builds mathematical identity and genuine engagement

Links:

Blog Post: Searching for a Better WayWhich Workshop to Take QUIZBuilding Powerful Mathematics Registration

Check out Pam's social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, m...

 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 schoolOpen number lines mature into double number linesRatio tables can start as early as 3rd grade and scale to decimals, large numbers, proportional relationships.How models act as lasting mental anchors, not j...

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 repetitionExperiences build beliefs that power actionsThe need for multifaceted, varied experiencesExperiences through workshopsExperiences through coachingExperiences for leaders

Links

Blog Post: Searching for a Better Way

Check out Pam's social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam H...

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 changeThe importance of experiences to shift beliefsThe ineffectiveness of just telling people what actions to takeChanging beliefs requires well thought out experiencesThe quality of the experience matters 

Links
Blog:  Post: Searching for a Be...

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 studentsImportance 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 expectationsUnderstanding the vertical and the horizontal math progressionsShifting your goals in real time Try Problem Strings first

Links:

Blog Post: Searching for a Better WayWhich Wo...

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 

How do you cultivate flexibility in your classroom? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss expectations, perspectives, and techniques that help students develop mathematical flexibility.

Talking Points:

The subtle messages of "That's not what we are doing right now."Difference between feeling invited vs. feeling commandedCrafting the conversationHonoring students' thinkingResponding to,"Can't I just solve it this way?"Helping students access what they already know

Links:

DMR Registration LinkMath is Figureoutable BlogPam's Books

Check out Pam's social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 22, 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

You already know that we seek for flexibility, efficiency, being clever, and owning a variety of mathematical strategies. But what about grading students based on how many strategies they own to solve a problem? And what does "clever" even mean?  Tune in as Pam and Kim discuss their definitions of "clever" and how we can help students seek for clever math strategies.

Talking Points:

The meaning of 'clever' and how to encourage it in students.How 'seeking for clever' is a mathematical behavior and mindsetCaution with requiring multiple solutions for a gradeImportance of experience i...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 15, 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

How can we equip students to tackle problems that do not fit a standard algorithm? In this episode, Pam and Kim experience a Problem String intended to engage fraction reasoning without traditional algorithms.

Talking Points:

Equivalences Percents and fractionsGenuine reasoning about fractional relationshipsPlaying versus commandingDrawing fraction models just in case versus just in time

Links:

DMR Registration Link Math is Figureoutable Blog 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 8, 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

We love being with mathematics educators! In this episode Pam and Kim recount their experiences at CAMT 2026.

Talking Points:

Feeling at home at CAMTExperiencing math at conferencesBullding relationships at conferencesShould a goal be to make math 'easier'?Real world math from real questions from students  Language mattersExplicit vs Inquiry

DMR Registration Link                                                                                                                    Pam's Books
Math is FigureOutAble Blog

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 1, 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.

Developing Mathematical Reasoning FREE workshop

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Shout out to our leaders! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. 

Talking Points: 

Ep 65: The power of shared math and teaching experiencesEp 104: What is Math Is Figure-Out-Able?Ep 165: Caution with manipulativesEp 201: Are algorithms bad?

DMR Registration Link                                                                                                                    Pam's Books
Math is FigureOutAble Blog

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 June 24, 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

Shout out to our 9-12 teacher friends! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. 

Talking Points: 

Ep 294: Introducing LogarithmsEp 69: Equations of Lines are Figureoutable!Ep 6: Developing Functional Reasoning

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

Check out Pam's Books
Math is FigureOutAble Blog

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Har...

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

Shout out to our 6-8 teacher friends! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. 

Talking Points: 

Ep 45 - 5 Interpretations of Rational NumbersEp 183 - Integer SubtractionEp 266 -  Solving Proportions - Within & Between

Check out Pam's Books
Math is FigureOutAble Blog

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 June 10, 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

Shout out to our 3-5 teacher friends! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you. 

Talking Points: 

Ep 174 - Double/Half: The Most Sophisticated Multiplication StrategyEp 29 - Ratio Tables!Ep 34 - Knowing vs Memorizing Multiplicaiton Facts

Check out Pam's Books
Math is FigureOutAble Blog

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 June 3, 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

Shout out to our K-2 teacher friends! Let's take a peek at some important conversations Pam and Kim have had over the years, just for you.

Talking Points: 

Ep 16 - Names of TeensEp 85 - Moving Past Counting Ep 195 - Main Strategies for 1st GradeEp 281 - How Strategies Grow Up

Check out Pam's Books

Math is FigureOutAble Blog

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 27, 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

How would you describe the difference between a classroom that emphasizes memorization and a classroom that develops mathematical reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim wrestle with an analogy for math classrooms.

Talking Points:

Importance of letting students play with what they know to learn the real game of mathThe significance of choice in math classPitfalls of labeling students Value of providing equal opportunities in math classWhat does "natural talent" mean in math?

Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blog

Check out Pam's Books

...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 20, 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 benefits have you found from teaching reasoning and mathing in your classroom? In this episode, Pam shares with Kim things she learned in her recent trip to South Korea.

Talking Points

Learning with your studentsImportance of turn and talks to capture internal "aha" momentsValue of vulnerability and openness in the classroomMath content vs math content for teachingHow open-ended problems and real math-ing naturally differentiates 

Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blog

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Twitter: @PWHarris
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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 3, 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

Can your students confidently reason about fraction multiplication? In this episode, Pam and Kim facilitate a Problem String that develops two strategies for fraction multiplication and discuss the thoughts that went into designing the string.

Talking Points:

#TryThisTuesday and #TryThisThursdayScaling with fractionsBuilding fraction relationshipsGoal of math is to build mathematical reasoning, not just get answers.Reasoning is the reason!Designing Problem Strings for multiple outcomes

Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blog

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math<...

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 6, 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