The Math Learning Center Blog

At the Math Learning Center, we believe that all students can make sense of mathematics. Some students just need more time, more opportunities, and more support than others. Our approach emphasizes problem solving, the use of faithful visual models, and a focus on developing fluency. In March 2021, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the What Works Clearinghouse released a new version of...

The year is coming to an end. Soon your classroom will be quiet. No more pencils, no more books, no more finger counting, no more area models, no more calendar grid markers, no more pattern blocks and geoboard bands and base ten pieces littering the floor. As Sam Keen said, “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” You’ve earned all the relaxation you can get this summer; enjoy it...

Meet Antonietta Mavo What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? K–2 math instructional coach. What school, district, or institution do you work for? Location? I work for Lakeland Elementary in Humble Independent School District, Texas. Who inspired you to become an educator? I have always had a passion for mathematics and how it works. I decided to become an educator so that I may share my...

At The Math Learning Center, we are committed to supporting elementary mathematics education that builds on the strengths of all students and teachers. We are always seeking to improve our curriculum and professional learning materials to reflect the most current research on equitable and effective teaching and learning. Recently, we’ve focused our efforts on revising Bridges Intervention to align...

Meet Amanda Angel What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? I teach fourth grade math (we are departmentalized in fourth and fifth grade at The Bright School). I teach two on-level math blocks and one advanced math block, which is project based and called Math Academy. I also try to lead the charge school-wide to encourage fun math events and family involvement in math at all levels, as...

It’s spring! The sun is shining, plants are growing, and frogs and bugs abound. At The Math Learning Center, we’ve created some fun activities with springtime themes to help get your math blooming! Like February’s popular Share the Math Love celebration, each of the following activities includes the Share Your Work feature. You can send students a link or code to access the activity, and students...

Meet Alicia Moorefield What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? Grade 3 math and content teacher (science, social studies and health). What school, district, or institution do you work for? Location? Baltimore County Public Schools—Honeygo Elementary in Perry Hall, Maryland. Who inspired you to become an educator? My kindergarten teacher Mrs. Coffta was my biggest inspiration. I have so...

Meet Lora Crouse What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? ​I am a fifth grade mathematics teacher. What school, district, or institution do you work for? Location? ​I teach at Lyons Mill Elementary School. We are a part of the Baltimore County Public Schools system in Maryland. Who inspired you to become an educator? I have been inspired by so many to become an educator—from my sister who...

Within the math education community, a lot of confusion surrounds the word fluency. Yet Common Core State Standards call for fluency at each grade level. Grades 2 and 3 standards specify that students know a standard “from memory,” phrasing which may further cloud our concept of fluency. In the Ignite Talk “There IS a Difference,” K-5 math educator Graham Fletcher explains the subtle yet powerful...

At MLC, we’ve put our hearts into supporting teachers in various ways throughout this school year. One of our most popular offerings, for Bridges and non-Bridges educators, is our collection of Free Math Apps, based on the visual models featured in Bridges in Mathematics. In December 2020, the number of visits to MLC’s Math Apps were more than ten times higher than visits in December 2019. If...