Math is Figure-Out-Able!

40 Episodes

By: Pam Harris, Kim Montague

Math teacher educator Pam Harris and her cohost Kim Montague answer the question: If not algorithms, then what? Join them for ~15-30 minutes every Tuesday as they cast their vision for mathematics education and give actionable items to help teachers teach math that is Figure-Out-Able. See www.MathisFigureOutAble.com for more great resources!

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Ep 313: Best of 6-8

#313

Today at 5:00 AM

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

#MathStratChat - June 10, 2026

Last Wednesday at 5:00 AM

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

Ep 312: Best of 3-5

#312

06/09/2026

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

#MathStratChat - June 3, 2026

06/03/2026

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

Ep 311: Best of K-2

#311

06/02/2026

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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#MathStratChat - May 27, 2026

05/27/2026

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

Ep 310: More On Letting The Students Play

#310

05/26/2026

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

...

#MathStratChat - May 20, 2026

05/20/2026

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

Ep 309: Classroom Takeaways: Aha Moments, Math Trauma, Differentiation, Tasks

#309

05/19/2026

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

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

#MathStratChat - May 13, 2026

05/13/2026

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

Ep 308: Fraction Multiplication, What?!

#308

05/12/2026

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<...

#MathStratChat - May 6, 2026

05/06/2026

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

Ep 307: Naming Fractions

#307

05/05/2026

Is there a 'correct' way to name math concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss different naming conventions for fractions from different cultures.

Talking Points:

Cultural difference in how fractions are expressed in Korean, where the denominator is said and written first.Cultural convention influences the way students think about and express fractions.Social conventions can influence mathematical understanding and the importance of being aware of these differences.Many languages use a part-whole approach, while others use a whole-part approach.Importance of being flexible in how we express fractions to support students' understanding...

#MathStratChat - April 29, 2026

04/29/2026

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

Ep 306: Which Algorithm Would You Use: Fractions?

#306

04/28/2026

Can you use an algorithm to solve every type of problem, or are there some problems for which algorithms leave you stranded? In this episode, Pam and Kim answer that question and share a Problem String to build fractional fluency.

Talking Points:

Importance of understanding the relationships between different fractions.Making sense of equivalent fraction values through experiences rather than memorized procedures.Problem Strings provide continual building and strengthening of relationships and skills.Problems Strings send the message it is not about one and only one way.

Math is FigureOutAble Blog...

#MathStratChat - April 22, 2026

04/22/2026

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

Ep 305: Guiding Principles for What We Recommend

#305

04/21/2026

Looking for useful games and materials for your classroom? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss some of the classroom materials and games they love and what makes them great.

Talking Points:

Games and resources that do NOT lead towards an algorithmThe value of games with strategy choice and without time/speed Hand2mind Foundations for StrategiesNumber Hive games for differentiation and to practice factsMath For Love gamesNumberClub games to build understanding Wipebooks for Rich Tasks

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

Check out our so...

#MathStratChat - April 15, 2026

04/15/2026

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

Ep 304: Context, Models, and Strategy for a Better CRA

#304

04/14/2026

How should context and models be used to build strategy? In this episode, Pam and Kim share a sequence of tasks regarding area to demonstrate a better approach for building understanding, abstraction, and strategy as a natural outcome.

Talking Points
Hand2mind Foundations for StrategiesUse of manipulatives to feel the meaning of areaGuiding students to become more sophisticated, both in models and in strategies The importance of context for clarity and developing strategyMoving from concrete, to representational, to abstract to deepen understanding, strategy, and independence, NOT to apply an algorithm
Math is FigureOutAble

#MathStratChat - April 8, 2026

04/09/2026

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

Ep 303: Product Approach to Multiplication Facts

#303

04/07/2026

If multiplication facts are so fundamental, why do students who memorize them struggle with multiplicative reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim take a hard look at what students need to succeed multiplicatively.

Talking Points
What does it mean to 'know' multiplication facts?Using multiplication to solve subtraction problemsMemorizing facts doesn't build complex multiplicative reasoningRedefining the mathematical 'basics'Applications to algebraHow "productive practice" engages students in meaningful activities to build knowledge
Ep.139: Factor to Add and Subract!?
Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blog
Check out our social media

#MathStratChat - April 1, 2026

04/01/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 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.
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Ep 302: Factor Puzzles 3: Expressions

#302

03/31/2026

How can we prepare students to grapple with algebraic concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim further adapt factor puzzles for developing understanding of both decomposing and combining expressions.

Talking Points:
Helping students understand algebraic expressionsDifferences in adding and multiplying variablesRelationships between terms in algebraic expressionsThe need for multiplicative reasoning in algebraAdvanced Factor Puzzles for high school

Links:
1) Ep.139: Factor to Add and Subract!?
2) Factor Puzzle Blog
Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Li...

#MathStratChat - March 25, 2026

03/25/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 25, 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

Ep 301: Factor Puzzles 2: Integers

03/24/2026

Why is practice sometimes not enough for students to become comfortable multiplying and adding integers? In this episode, Pam and Kim explore more with Factor Puzzles, this time with integers!

Talking Points:
Gaining experience multiplying and adding with negative integersPurposefulness of keeping certain numbers constant in the factor puzzlesPractical applications of when to do Factor Puzzles Importance of understanding the absolute value of numbersConnection between Factor Puzzles and factoring quadratic trinomials
Link to Blog: https:https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blog
Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math

#MathStratChat - March 18, 2026

03/18/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 11, 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

Ep 300: Factor Puzzles 1: Whole Numbers

#300

03/17/2026

What is a great way for student's to increase their factor fluency and move from additive reasoning to multiplicative reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim play with factor puzzles and describe their many benefits.

Talking Points:
Kim loves podcast reviews!Factor Puzzles routineGeneralizing patterns to develop algebraic reasoning Building multplicative reasoningFluency with factor pairsTies to factoring quadratics
Link to Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blog
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

#MathStratChat - March 11, 2026

03/11/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 11, 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

Ep 299: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in 3-5

#299

03/10/2026

What does the day-to-day of a math is figureoutable classroom look like? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the new book for teachers of Grades 3-5 to transform their teaching.

Talking Points:
New book release for Grades 3-5!Development of Mathematical ReasoningAdditive ReasoningMultiplicative ReasoningProblem String walkthroughs and videosRich tasks, routines, models and modelingNext steps for teachers, specific to their needs and experience
Shark Metaphor Podcast episode: Ep 245: Three Distortions that Ruin Math Teaching

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics e...

#MathStratChat - March 4, 2026

03/04/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 4, 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

Ep 298: Who Gets to Math? One thing that Opens or Closes the Gate

#298

03/03/2026

Using strategies to solve problems sounds good, but what if my students don't know the basics? In this episode, Pam and Kim dispel the myth that "the basics" needed for mimicking algorithms are the same as the fundamentals for math-ing.

Talking Points
The limitations of rote memorization and the benefits of strategic thinkingThe challenges of shifting away from traditional math teaching methodsRedefining what constitutes "basic math knowledge""The basics" needed for mimicking algorithms are not the same as "the basics" for math-ing.Students need to understand underlying properties and relationships rather than isolated factsPutting algorithms before...

#MathStratChat - February 25, 2026

02/25/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 25, 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

Ep 297: What Makes Good Shifts in a School's Math Teaching?

#297

02/24/2026

What does it take to make real change in a school's math program? In this episode, Pam and Kim share what does and doesn't work to make lasting, systemic change in mathematics teaching for schools and school districts.

Talking Points:
Teachers should not have to be expert teachers and expert curriculum writers at the same time.Good curriculum change alone is not enoughLock-step plans backfire Teachers need math-ing experiencesTeachers need to analyze mathematics for teachingTeachers need bite-off-able tasksGradual, differentiated shifts over time lastGet in touch with us to make lasting impact in your schools at h...

#MathStratChat - February 18, 2026

02/18/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 18, 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

Ep 296: Live at NCTM Spring

#296

02/17/2026

It's great to learn from other educators. In this episode, Pam and Kim relay their experience at NCTM Spring 2026, giving their unique perspective of modern teaching trends.

Talking Points:
The need to define the terms curriculum, resources, scope and sequence, standards, contentClarity before competence Mathematics as both a noun and a verbCaution around "research" and the "science of math" The micro-routine "Interpret with Intention"Different types of strategies
Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

#MathStratChat - February 11, 2026

02/11/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 11, 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

Ep 295: Differentiating Problem Strings for your Grade Level: Over Subtraction

#295

02/10/2026

How can you tweak a Problem String to work perfectly for your class? In this episode, Pam and Kim share a subtraction Problem String, and then unpack what changes they'd make for different audiences.

Talking Points:
A subtraction Problem String with the Over strategyThe purpose of "what could a Helper be"?When to provide a Helper problemAdult-ish Problem Strings can cover more contentMaking a Problem String appropriate for your grade level
Link to blog: Differentiating Problem Strings for Your Grade Level
Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris...

#MathStratChat - February 4, 2026

02/04/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 4, 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

Ep 294: Introducing Logarithms

#294

02/03/2026

Introducing new math concepts can be tricky. In this episode, Pam and Kim do a Problem String to introduce logarithms in a natural, figureoutable way.

Talking Points
Problem String to introduce students to logarithmsDifferences between logarithms and algorithmsRelationship between logarithms and exponentsDeveloping exponential equations

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

#MathStratChat - January 28, 2026

01/28/2026

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 28, 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