Sometimes the solution to a problem involves truly unexpected thinking. And that’s where the real fun is!
Why do we fear word problems so much? Let’s talk about one of the reasons (and how to fix it!) here!
There are many different kinds of skills that we want our kids to learn, but what does it all mean, and which ones matter most?
We help our children to be more persistent when we ask them to do things that are challenging, but not impossible.
It's SO important that kids learn algebra. But why? Well, it's probably not for the reasons you think....
We know it’s not easy for middle school parents to help their children become better math students and stronger problem solvers. So we put on our teacher hats….
Do you know what the Pythagorean Theorem says… really says?
Maybe your child isn’t into math, but they’re into sports. Well, then they’re REALLY into math.
SAT-style math questions can be hard. Luckily, there are helpful shortcuts you can use to be successful on the SAT, especially with multiple-choice problems.
Discovering mathematics for yourself is powerful: it can make for a better learning experience, and improve your retention of that experience.
If at first you don’t succeed, draw, draw again!
When you just don’t know how to begin, sometimes it’s a matter of choosing a path, just to see where it leads, even if it’s to a different path!
Sometimes the best way to help your child learn is to say less!
Chords in a circle, and an intriguing pattern... time for a drawing challenge!
It's time to meet one of the greatest equations from one of the greatest minds in mathematics. Don't be shy - be curious!
We investigate a strange way of encoding information using points on the number line… is this for real?
It’s possible to see why the Pythagorean Theorem is true simply by glancing at a picture!
Drawing pictures as we learn, even if what we’re learning doesn’t seem obviously visual, can help us retain what we learn.
Some people might get the impression that geometry is a little… boring. Nothing could be further from the truth.
High school geometry did you a service, even if you aren't quite ready to admit it yet....
Think of focus like a muscle - the more you flex it, the better it will perform when you need it.
Adding a little mystery to learning can get your child engaged, while also building important critical thinking skills.
This may sound a little strange, but we're really in love with division. We think you should be too...
Why teach kids to jump in and experiment? Because this is where confidence is built, creativity shines, and critical thinking is learned.
Don’t feel guilty if you enjoy a piece of mathematics that isn’t “useful”!
Asking why is a valuable life skill. And it’s more than just “Why is the sky blue?”
Do you know people who effortlessly compute the tip at dinner, or quickly know how to divide up the bill between everybody at the table? What's their secret??
What’s the big deal about critical thinking? And how do I help my child be a better critical thinker?
The relevance of the math we do matters. We all understand better when we can connect what we are learning to our lives.
It’s almost always worthwhile to ask a learner: “Hey, can you think of another way to solve this problem?”
Your child has a problem to solve and no idea how to start. Here are some ways you can help (without telling them how to do it!).
Time for a little math magic!
Mistakes happen, but did you know they can be valuable?
Spreadsheets, like Excel, aren't magic... they're math!
Patterns and structures matter because they are everywhere, in everything.
Complex problems don’t have to be complicated....
We all experience frustration, but it is in frustrating situations that we often learn the most. Part of what we have to teach kids is that frustration is okay.
Helping children to become better problem solvers is a worthy goal... but how do we do that?
Games are fun, for sure, but they also teach us valuable thinking skills.
Sometimes, the best way to make progress in problem solving is to take a break!
We've all heard of “keeping it simple”, but why is this valuable in mathematics?
Being a good problem solver helps in all aspects of life, and requires a full toolbox of strategies!
You know pi, but what do you REALLY know about pi?
Examine your decision-making skills by trying this unique probability puzzler!
Yes, famous people throughout history have created amazing mathematics!
Most of us dread the idea of helping our children with math homework. Thankfully, there are ways to work through the dread, and make it easier on everyone...
Yes, you do mental math. And you should share it with your kids.
Let’s all make friends with math. There is so much to be gained - and nothing to lose!
Using pictures to model sets is more e-Venn-tful than you might think….
There’s some interesting mathematics hidden in your dice, and it’s not just probability!
Games are way more than just fun.
Try a puzzle that focuses on how someone else managed to solve a puzzle!
Do you like movies with twist endings? If so, maybe you'll enjoy a mathematical paradox like this....
Have you noticed that bubbles are always spheres? Why is that, and how is it related to STEM?
Being cool with an answer that doesn’t feel ‘finished’ is no easy feat.
There are unexpectedly deep ideas hiding in your 'simple' arithmetic!
Who would’ve thought that connect-the-dots would be so important to our world?
To prove something true, what if you prove that its opposite can't possibly be true?
Playing cards have endless value in learning math. Here are just a couple of the many reasons!
Letters in math are vital. No matter what they are used to represent, they are a help... as long as you know what they stand for.
Most of us don’t have a tank in the driveway. If we want to solve a problem that involves tank tread, then what are our choices?
Why should we challenge our kids to about different frames of reference?
Try living one day without using anyone’s name. Difficult, isn't it? Math is no different!
Being good at math doesn’t at all depend on how “smart” we are. It simply depends on our willingness to start somewhere, work hard, fail, and try again.
What does it mean to generalize? Why does generalization matter? And why do my kids need to learn how to do it?
You might not believe it, but we are all natural (math) problem solvers. What matters is finding the approach that works for you!
