The Transition from Visualization to Paper

I truly believe this is the missing link to helping students be successful with problem solving. After students can successfully visualize, As teachers, we sometimes wonder why students have to learn so many strategies. It takes up so much time just to teach them how to use them! If we can look beyond that and think about why students might need them for certain problems, I really think we can get onboard with providing students an internal toolbox to help them be critical and flexible thinkers that are independent. Watch these videos to see what I mean.

@danifrymath Do your students need a bridge from visualizing problems to solving them? Here is a strategy to get students to use a tool to match what they see in their mind. #math #mathteachers #mathteachersoftiktok #teachersoftiktok #mathproblem #problemsolving ♬ original sound - Dani Fry

@danifrymath Here is an upper grade example of the bridge between visualizing and using representations as a tool. Its a life changer for students to be independent thinkers. #math #mathteachersoftiktok #mathteacher ♬ original sound - Dani Fry

Over the last year, I have been working with students and teachers K-5 and this has been a lifechanger to increase independence in students to do their own thinking. I have created a lesson here for you to try it out with your students to see what you think.

I would love to hear how this works for your students as you help them reach their independence with problem solving!

I know some of you are waiting for me to get the sTAAR redesign products finished. I’m working on them around the clock! I have added one for 5th grade on coordinate grids and patterns and one for 4th grade on multiplication/division and representations for all four operations. More coming as we get through the week! Be sure to share with your colleagues! STAAR is just around the corner!

Newly Completed Resources