Greg Tang

October 18, 2015

Hi Everyone,

This week we had a great opportunity to go to a Greg Tang Math Workshop. It was over two days, and we each went to one session. The first session was called Clever Connections: Strategies, Standards, and Skills. This session focused on different algorithms and mental math strategies that can be used in the classroom. He showed us strategies and ways to manipulate numbers and break them apart. Because our number system is based on tens, he is always asking students to find and make tens when adding and subtracting. We have been trying to teach our students to do this during our math talk time. It is is difficult for them because it is such a new way of thinking, but we can see its benefits.

The second session was called Smart Math Strategies and it focused on the fifteen different types of word problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. He taught us how to help students navigate their way through a problem using his six-step framework. This framework helps the students understand what the numbers in the problem mean, which then makes it easier for them to solve the problem. There is a huge emphasis on problem solving in the Common Core, and as you move through the grades the wording of the problem becomes much more complicated. As early as second grade, the problems are more complex. That is why the framework is so important.

We encourage you to check out Greg Tang's website. There are tons of games and strategies that our students have loved working with. But the best thing on the site is the Word Problem Generator because you can change the type of problem,  the operation, and the numbers students work with. He also gives hints for each problem, which include a model. Once again, the model is part of the six-step framework, and it makes it easier for students to see an equation and solve the problem.

If you ever get the opportunity to go to one of his workshops, we would strongly recommend it. He will be having a big three-day convention in Kansas City this summer. For the first 150 people to register, there will be a fourth day that is free.

Hopefully, this will help you with your math instruction. Have a great week and enjoy math!

Kim and Anne