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Math is Figure-Out-Able!Ep 256: Are Problem Strings the Same as Thin Slicing? Pt 1Are Problem Strings the same thing as Thin Slicing? In this episode Pam and Kim talk about the similarities between Problem Strings and Dr. Peter Liljedahl's Thin Slicing.Talking Points:Example Problem String:Calling on students strategically in a Problem StringStrategic seating arrangements for partner talkSimilarities between Problem Strings and Thin Slicing:Purposefully designed sequence of related problemsProblems given one at a timeIncreasing challengeCritical teacher planningOpen access for all studentsPurposeful variation to keep students challengedCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education2025-05-1326 minMath is Figure-Out-Able!Ep 255: After a Problem StringYou facilitated a Problem String! ... Now what? In this episode Pam and Kim share they think about after facilitating a Problem String and what their next steps for their classroom might be.Talking Points:Ways to up the anteEcho stringsHow much to change at onceNext Step stringsWhen to move onWhen to anchorGet Problem String books here: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/books Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 2025-05-0622 minMath is Figure-Out-Able!Ep 254: Preparing for a Problem StringYou've chosen a Problem String to teach, but does it need any preparation? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how they prepare to facilitate a Problem String.Talking Points:Is it ok to adjust a pre-written Problem String?What should you include in your 'Kim's Notes'?What will your final board layout look like?Naming specific teacher moves Practice using models ahead of timeAre pre-created models ok?Where can you find pre-written strings complete with facilitation notes and final display? https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/big Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarris2025-04-2930 minMath is Figure-Out-Able!Ep 253: Choosing a Problem StringWhich Problem Strings are appropriate for your students? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss what they consider when choosing a Problem String for a classroom.Talking Points:A fraction addition example stringThings to consider when choosing a Problem String:Prewritten vs write your ownTime of yearStrategies students already ownBuilding a model vs building a strategyOrder of sophistication of strategiesBuilding a model vs strategyNew content versus review/reteachSee episodes 33, 71, 72, 163, 226, 241 for more on Problem Strings!Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author...2025-04-2229 minMath is Figure-Out-Able!Ep 252: Foundations for Multi-Digit Multiplication & Division StrategiesWhat kinds of tasks help students build multi-digit multiplication and division strategies? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to sequence tasks to develop the foundational strategies and relationships for multi-digit multiplication and division: Scaling, Over and Adjust, Partial Products, FactoringTalking Points:Benefits of using diverse task typesSample of three "messy" tasks to develop:Ratio tablesArea model2 different kinds of divisionRelationship between multiplication and divisionPractice ideasGet your kit from Hand2mind here: https://www.hand2mind.com/item/foundations-for-strategies-multi-digit-multiplication-division-small-group-kitCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam...2025-04-1529 minMath is Figure-Out-Able!Ep 251: Foundations for Multi-Digit Addition & Subtraction StrategiesWhat kinds of tasks help students build multi-digit addition and subtraction strategies? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to sequence tasks to develop the foundational strategies and relationships for multi-digit addition and subtraction: Friendly numbers, place value, adjusting, the commutative property, decomposingTalking Points:Sequencing tasks is more than just moving from one page to the next in the teacher guideSample of three "messy" tasks to:develop number linesmake connections between addition and subtractionanalyze strategiessolidify a strategyFor more sequences, check out the Foundations for Strategies from Hand2mind!: https://www.hand2mind...2025-04-0832 min