STUDENTS BECOME TEACHERS
Problem of the Day
Students write multi-step stories, prepare their models, and guide the class through understanding and solving.
Prepare the problem
Begin with mathematics
Create an equation and write a story to match it. Make a model and solve the problem to check that all three fit.
Get thoughtful feedback
Draft in a notebook. Two classmates review the problem before I check it.
Share only the story
Prepare the classroom display without the equation or model, so classmates can reason for themselves.
Model how to teach
I explicitly model how to lead a discussion before students take on this role. Student teachers call on classmates, invite questions, and explain why a model or equation represents the story.
After the three reads, the student teacher models the first part, names its schema, and builds an equation while explaining each choice. The prepared solution helps them check the story and the answer.
Use the routine daily when time allows, or weekly in place of an appetizer.
ILLUSTRATIVE TEACHING GUIDE
A story for the class
Avery puts 6 toy cats on each of 4 shelves. Then Avery moves 7 toy cats into a basket. How many toy cats are still on the shelves?
This example was created for the website to show the routine in action.
Lead the three reads
First read: visualize
Invite a classmate to read. Begin “Close your eyes and…” and let the class respond “Visualize!” Ask someone to describe what they pictured, then make a quick sketch.
Second read: quantities
Invite another classmate to read and lead. Ask “What do the numbers mean?” Identify 4 shelves, 6 cats on each shelf, and 7 cats moved away.
Third read: the question
Read together. Ask “What is the question asking?” Clarify that we need the number of cats still on the shelves.
Teacher model and solution
First, use equal groups: 4 × 6 = 24 toy cats. Then use a change structure: 24 − 7 = 17 toy cats remain on the shelves.
The equation is (4 × 6) − 7 = 17. Connect each quantity and operation to the story. Ask classmates to explain why the answer makes sense.
Math practices in action
The three reads support sense-making (MP1) and interpreting quantities (MP2). Student teachers justify choices (MP3), connect stories to models (MP4), communicate clearly (MP6), and name the underlying structure (MP7).
Building confidence through connection.
© 2026 Heidi Fee · Math With Meaning
Music. Creativity. Student leadership.