I completely agree!

The images don't have to connect directly to the problem. I use them to launch the context. In this case the fundraiser could be a bake sale. That would be familiar to a lot of 3rd graders. We would talk about what a fundraiser is and how they work. Then, you move into the story problem.

Welcome! Glad to have you.

I never realized that so many of these desserts have that in common! Fascinating!

A8: Number set choices invite mathematicians to choose which numbers to work with, promoting agency and independence. If they finish solving one number set, they move on to another. For the teacher, number sets allow differentiation within one problem context. #ElemMathChat

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A7: Omitting the numbers from a story problem ensures comprehension of the context and problem before solving. This slows mathematicians down and places the focus on understanding and making a plan prior to computing an answer. #ElemMathChat

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A6: Launching a story problem with an image visually grounds us all in the same mathematical context and provides multiple entry points to the problem. This benefits students who are learning English and those who benefit from additional reading support. #ElemMathChat

Wow! I hadn't considered that strategy. I love how opening up a problem invites so many different ways of solving it.

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In other words, to make connections rather than in isolation?

A5: I notice a bake sale with delicious looking treats including carrot cake, lemon bars, scones, and bread loaves. I notice one person taking payment and one person making payment on their phone. #ElemMathChat

Notice/Wonder #ElemMathChat

A4: The first step is to acknowledge the potential challenges this problem may pose to some students. The next questions will explore some strategies, but for now, what are your thoughts? #ElemMathChat

Differentiating for all! #ElemMathChat

A3: This problem has several potential roadblocks for mathematicians. The context of a fundraiser may be unfamiliar. This is a multi-step problem which includes subtracting and adding two three-digit numbers with regrouping, which can also be a challenge. #ElemMathChat

Predicting Challenges. #ElemMathChat

A2: Subtract 68 from 437, then add the difference with 437 to get the total raised by the two grades. I would decompose 68 into 37 and 31. 437 - 37 is 400. 400 - 30 is 370 and 370 - 1 is 369. 369 + 437 is 16 + 90 + 700 which is 106 + 700, this equals 806. #ElemMathChat

How would you solve this problem? #ElemMathChat

A1: As teachers, we want students to identify as confident mathematicians who see math in the everyday world around them. We strive to create a lifelong love of mathematics. We want them to be problem solvers and critical thinkers. These are the skills that define career readiness. #ElemMathChat

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Q0 My name is Kathy Minas, I am a math enthusiast and coach. This week we engaged in some great math learning tasks as a community to explore division with remainders.

I'm happy to be here this evening!

Welcome! #ElemMathChat

Join us 4/9/26 at 8 PM CST for #ElemMathChat with Kathy Minas, @themathcollective.bsky.social of The Math Collective! We’ll discuss differentiating instruction through curricular resources to make learning more accessible for all students. #ElemMathChat

Join us 4/9/26 at 8 PM CST for #ElemMathChat with Kathy Minas, @themathcollective.bsky.social of The Math Collective! We’ll discuss differentiating instruction through curricular resources to make learning more accessible for all students. #ElemMathChat