Here’s that student math

Teaching children to mindlessly follow algorithms is such a frustrating thing to try to combat as a teacher- these kids often resist attempts to make math make sense!
#Teachmath
@tdsbmath.bsky.social

Then the student made an error with his equivalent fractions, and got an incorrect answer, and did not know that his answer made no sense- it’s much too small

Why do common denominators at all? 3/6 = 1/2, 6/3 =2, so the answer is 2 1/2

He made a common denominator of 18, which you would only do if you had learned a procedure (multiply the denominators to find your common denominator)
If you want a common denominator, 6 is a much easier and more logical choice

Even worse, the student wanted to show me the great math he had learned in his program
He was trying to add 3/6 and 6/3

Here is some thinking from a grade 3 student recently
This student solved this problem by standard regrouping, but then just counted back from 15 to solve 15-8
Why do the regrouping, if you are just going to count?

So unfortunate when students go to after school math programs that teach algorithms, not math reasoning

And student work
Great job!

Practice questions for students

Overshoot and return number talk with Mr.Taib’s class at Rose Ave

And some exit tickets
See how done students thought visually, and some with a T-table

Working on algebraic rules with Grade 6’s at Lord Dufferin
Great work!
@tdsbmath.bsky.social
#visualmath
#slgebraicthinking

Getting started with Number Talk strategies in Grade 2/3 at Bruce PS
@tdsbmath.bsky.social
#NumberTalk
#visualmath

Getting started with a Number Talk for Grade 3’s at Rose Ave
#NumberTalk
#visualmath
@tdsbmath.bsky.social

Great student thinking!

More grade 2/3 math
At the fun fair you could buy tickets in 2’s or 3’s

Student solutions
#visualmath
@tdsbmath.bsky.social

First 20 days of math with the grade 2/3’s in Ms Wells class at Lord Dufferin
His many dots?

and get images like this

Another favourite source for images to discuss with your class is @multiplicitynu.bsky.social Love the way you can search for topics, grade levels and more!
multiplicitylab.northwestern.edu

Or make your own!
#WODB

Like this one!

Have you used Which One Doesn't Belong?
Do you have their new web address?
talkingmathwithkids.com/wodb
I like to start the year with examples with pictures- super easy and fun!
#MathTalk

Glad to have joined Bluesky!
For my first few posts I'm going to highlight some visual math resources that are great for getting a culture of discussion in your class.