By Maureen D. O’Connell, Math Specialist Some math tools and representations help students solve in-the-moment problems. Other math tools and representations help students solve problems and grow their conceptual understanding. Which type of representations are you...
in the classroom
Choosing Math Tools and Representations that Work:
Multi-grade Classrooms and
IM K–5 Math™
Sep 8, 2021
By Jen Hawkins, IM Facilitator and IM K-5 Product Specialist Illustrative Mathematics believes that students can achieve success as mathematical thinkers by working through problems and consolidating their learning through classroom discussions and anchoring...
Culturally Responsive Teaching and Math
Jun 30, 2021
By Asya Howlette, Director of Mathematics and Science at Thurgood Marshall Raise your hand if you have been perplexed by professional learning that told you your class needs to be culturally responsive, but left you completely unsure about what that means in a math...
Using IM’s Distance Learning Resources to Create a Hybrid Learning Plan
Sep 30, 2020
By Lorie Banks Trying to plan for the 2020–2021 school year has been like trying to fly the airplane while building the wings. I am a career educator—a middle grades math teacher in an urban district in Western Massachusetts—and this year has promised to be one like...
Facilitating the “Choral Counting” Routine Online
Aug 25, 2020
by Janaki Nagarajan How can we best do mathematics together in an online environment? When school suddenly shifted online last spring, I found myself overwhelmed by the learning curve for new technologies—for both myself and my students. I knew that I wanted to...
English Learners and Distance Learning: Compare and Connect
Jun 25, 2020
By Vanessa Cerrahoglu, Jennifer Wilson, and Liz Ramirez We envision creating a world where learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics. Knowing and using math goes beyond calculating and evaluating. We create purposeful opportunities for students to engage in...
English Learners and Distance Learning: Co-Craft Questions
Jun 15, 2020
By Jennifer Wilson and Liz Ramirez We envision creating a world where learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics. Knowing and using math goes beyond calculating and evaluating. We create purposeful opportunities for students to engage in sense-making and use language...
Shifting Practices: Helping Everyone—from Students to Administration—Find their Voice in the Math Classroom
Feb 29, 2020
It was easy to say yes! By Crystal Magers Last spring, I was approached by our Math Coordinator and asked about piloting a new math program. I knew my staff was ready for building-wide consistency and we were ready to try something new. I easily said yes! My...
The Art of Reflection
Feb 3, 2020
“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” —Mr. (Fred) Rogers By Kaneka Turner We are never more “on” than when we are teaching a...
Using Diagrams to Build and Extend Student Understanding
Nov 25, 2019
When students notice things, we often ask, ‘Why is that happening?” but it can be challenging to explain why beyond the procedure one followed.
But fifth graders are brilliant.
to the IM Blog and Newsletter
RECENT POSTS
- What LEGO Taught Us About Play-Based Learning in Transitional Kindergarten Mar 18, 2026
- Staying Curious in Transitional Kindergarten: What Inquiry Play Reveals About How Students Think Mar 11, 2026
- Fluency Development Within and Across the Grades in IM® K–5 Math Part 4: Multiplication and Division Mar 10, 2026
- Fluency Development Within and Across the Grades in IM® K–5 Math Part 3: Multiplication and Division Mar 9, 2026
- Fluency Development Within and Across the Grades in IM® K-5 Math Part 2: Addition and Subtraction Mar 5, 2026
Categories
- 6–8 Math (143)
- 9–12 Math (114)
- Assessment (1)
- Back to School (7)
- Classroom Community (5)
- Classroom Discourse (6)
- Coaches Corner (10)
- Computational Fluency (2)
- Equity (5)
- Implementation (6)
- In the Classroom (9)
- Instructional Routines (5)
- K–5 Math (152)
- Lesson Planning (3)
- Math Content (3)
- Math Language Routines (3)
- Partners (5)
- Problem-Based Learning (5)
- Professional Learning (94)
- Recent Blog Posts (12)
- Research Studies (1)
- Supports for English Language Learners (1)
- Supports for Students with Disabilities (6)
- TK/PK Math (7)
- Uncategorized (2)
- Unfinished Learning (1)









