Workshops
Below are summaries of the workshops we provide. All workshops can be virtual or in-person and can be customized to any length, grade-span, grade level, and/or topic.
Number Sense
Underdeveloped number sense is one of the biggest barriers to success in mathematics. Being able to think flexibly about number and computation makes it easier to solve simple and complicated problems, whether its multi-digit addition or solving quadratic equations. This workshop will provide participants with powerful strategies that develop number sense for all students.
Problem Solving
Word problems are often a struggle for students of all ages. This workshop demonstrates a process that teachers can use to engage students in making sense of problems/tasks and to persevere in solving them. Participants will become familiar with specific problem types and the strategies students use to solve them. By centering instruction on rich problems and tasks, students build the skills and confidence to become efficient and masterful problem solvers.
Multiplication and Division
Developing deep understanding of multiplication and division is a critical milestone in a child’s math journey. While most traditional approaches focus on rote-memory of math facts, this workshop goes deeper by demonstrating how to build strong connections between concrete models, real-life problems, and abstract representations.
Fractions and Decimals
Another key milestone in a child’s math journey is learning how to calculate with fractions and decimals. While most traditional approaches focus on rote-memory of rules and procedures, this workshop goes deeper by demonstrating how to build a strong connection between concrete models, real-life problems, and algebraic representations.
Small Group Instruction
Teachers are keenly aware of the varying strengths and needs amongst the students they teach. One way to address individualized student needs is through small group instruction, however setting up an environment for small group instruction requires planning, preparation and resources. This workshop will go over the detailed steps and resources required to make small group instruction manageable and successful.
Moving Beyond Data
Standardized test data tends to drive the narrative in many schools. Looking through such testing data can leave teachers discouraged and overwhelmed. This workshop will show participants how to use student work to drive instructional decisions. Student work provides teachers with far more meaningful and actionable information which, when used strategically, can dramatically improve math outcomes for students.
Math Labs
One of the most powerful ways to bring teachers together around student-centered math instruction is by co-planning and co-teaching a math lesson. In our experience, this is one of the best ways to create buy-in around evidenced-based strategies.
Math and Robotics
Robotics instruction is one of the best ways to introduce students to the world of engineering and computer programming. As students learn the basics of programming a robot, they immediately see the purpose and relevance of mathematics. This workshop will show participants how to use and manage the LEGO Spike PRIME Robot, while demonstrating specific tasks and activities that connect to grade-level math standards.
STEAM
Our team is deeply committed to the idea that students should have time to develop artistic pursuits. This workshop highlights how the visual arts can help put the “A” in “STEAM.”
Community Engagement
Engaging parents and community members is critical in changing perceptions around how math should be taught in schools. Sadly, many adults have negative feeling toward math or perceive math as a set of facts and rules to memorize. This workshop is for school leaders that wish to organize their community math events such as “Family Math Nights”, parent workshops, and Pi Day celebrations. Having planned and organized various events, our team will share the nuts and bolts of making these events meaningful and fun for all.
Children’s Mathematics Book Study
Our practice is deeply grounded in the principles of Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) and we encourage all of the teachers and leaders we work with to become familiar with this groundbreaking publication. CGI is a highly versatile and nuanced approach to teaching mathematics and with every chapter there are many details to consider and discuss. Reading and discussing the ideas of this book will leave participants curious and excited to try student-centered math instruction.
Connecting Math with Science
Elementary teachers often find themselves with little time to teach science. One of the benefits of student-centered math instruction is that it naturally lends itself to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This workshop will demonstrate how teachers can use the same exact processes and structures of a student-centered math class to engage their students in rich and dynamic science explorations. This workshop will also highlight the specific ways math and science can be combined to save teachers time during the school year.