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The Math Learning Center Blog

Our team offers insights and happenings in elementary math education and the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum. 

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Humanizing Intervention: Opening Problem Solving and Ending Timed Activities

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...
Nicole Rigelman, Chief Academic Officer

Introducing Bridges to Families in Your Community

Now more than ever, families are looking for ways to support their students’ mathematics education. They may not know where to start—the Bridges in Mathematics approach might appear a bit different from the way they were taught math. How can Bridges educators offer families a chance to see what a Bridges classroom looks like? How can they offer ideas and options for fostering their students’ math...
Mike Wallus, Vice President for Educator Support

Learning to Think Mathematically Series Now Free from MLC

The Learning to Think Mathematically series, written by Dr. Jeff Frykholm, is now available free from The Math Learning Center. These insightful books provide families and educators with innovative resources and novel strategies to help young learners develop powerful mathematical insights and problem-solving strategies. The premise underlying the Learning to Think Mathematically series is that...
Collin Nelson

New Free Resources for Secondary Classrooms

Last year we added Math and the Mind’s Eye to our collection of free resources. Math and the Mind’s Eye is a supplemental program based on visual models that can be taught in sequence or used as individual lessons. The 14 units that make up this program cover math concepts typically taught in middle school but extend into upper and lower grade levels as well. To round out our secondary offerings...
Collin Nelson

Review Finds Bridges 100% Aligned to CCSS

Learning List , a K-12 instructional materials evaluation service, recently released independent alignment reports and an editorial review of Bridges in Mathematics second edition. Each grade level K-5 was found to address 100% of the Common Core State Standards. Number Corner second edition was also reviewed. Grades K-5 were found to address on average 95% of the Common Core State Standards...

The Pattern Shapes App

The Pattern Shapes App is now available for download from The Math Learning Center. Here's a quick tutorial on how to use this new free math app. Jami is a media specialist for MLC.
Jami Smith

Dan Meyer: Math Class Needs a Makeover

Dan Meyer, former high school math teacher presented a TEDtalk titled “Math class needs a makeover.” In this witty examination of a typical high school math lesson, Meyer outlines his teaching techniques which are anything but typical. Restructuring textbook math problems to contain far less helpful information has helped his students engage in real world math conversations, and most importantly...
Jami Smith

Reframing Art

Art is an essential element of our human experience, offering aesthetic pleasure as well as a method for expressing and contemplating meaning. But what if art could also be used as a vehicle for building critical thinking and communications skills? That is the premise and promise behind Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), an educational program developed more than 20 years ago by Philip Yenawine and...
Rick Ludeman, Chief Executive Officer

The Number Frames App

The Number Frames App is now available for download! Here's a quick overview of how the app works. Click here to download Number Frames. Jami Smith is a media specialist for MLC.
Jami Smith

MLC at NCTM New Orleans

We are excited to be attending the NCTM Annual Meeting in New Orleans this year! In addition to showcasing Bridges Second Edition and our growing collection of virtual manipulatives, we will be hosting five presentations on various topics. Tiers, not Tears, for Early Numeracy Support Pia Hansen and Laurie Kilts Thursday, 12:30 pm–1:30 pm Room 214 in the Convention Center Racks, Lines, and Pieces...
Jami Smith