Math is Figure-Out-Able!

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 knowLinks: Place Value Mini-Workshop RegistrationDMR Registration LinkMath is Figureoutable BlogPam's BooksCheck out Pam's social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 in mentoring kids to represent their thinking Nudging students to reflect on a strategy they want to do 'next time'Links:Place Value Mini-Workshop RegistrationDMR Registration LinkMath is Figureoutable BlogPam's BooksCheck out Pam's social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 timeLinks:DMR Registration Link Math is Figureoutable Blog Pam's BooksCheck out Pam's social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: 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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 InquiryDMR Registration Link                                                                                                                    Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out Pam's social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: 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 workshopTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out Pam's social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: 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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 ReasoningCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC Check out Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 & BetweenCheck out Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: 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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 FactsCheck out Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: 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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 UpCheck out Pam's BooksMath is FigureOutAble BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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/blogCheck out Pam's BooksCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 PointsLearning 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/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: 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 outcomesMath is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 and avoid confusion.Math is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 TasksMath is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 PointsHand2mind 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 algorithmMath is FigureOutAble Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 PointsWhat 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/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 schoolLinks:                                                        1) Ep.139: Factor to Add and Subract!?2) Factor Puzzle BlogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 trinomialsLink to Blog: https:https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 quadraticsLink to Blog: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/blogTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 experienceShark Metaphor Podcast episode: Ep 245: Three Distortions that Ruin Math TeachingCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 PointsThe 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 reasoning gatekeeps who gets to reasonCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com//solutionCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 strategiesCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

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 levelLink to blog: Differentiating Problem Strings for Your Grade LevelCheck out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics educationLinkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC 

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: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education