Are Problem Strings the same thing as Thin Slicing? In this episode Pam and Kim talk about the similarities between Problem Strings and Dr. Peter Liljedahl's Thin Slicing.

Talking Points:

• Example Problem String:
  • Calling on students strategically in a Problem String
  • Strategic seating arrangements for partner talk
• Similarities between Problem Strings and Thin Slicing:
  • Purposefully designed sequence of related problems
  • Problems given one at a time
  • Increasing challenge
  • Critical teacher planning
  • Open access for all students
  • Purposeful variation to keep students challenged

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In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 7, 2025.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Want more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

You facilitated a Problem String! ... Now what? In this episode Pam and Kim share they think about after facilitating a Problem String and what their next steps for their classroom might be.

Talking Points:
Ways to up the ante

• Echo strings
• How much to change at once
• Next Step strings
• When to move on
• When to anchor

Get Problem String books here: https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/books

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 30, 2025.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Want more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

You've chosen a Problem String to teach, but does it need any preparation? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how they prepare to facilitate a Problem String.

Talking Points:

• Is it ok to adjust a pre-written Problem String?
• What should you include in your 'Kim's Notes'?
• What will your final board layout look like?
• Naming specific teacher moves
• Practice using models ahead of time
• Are pre-created models ok?
• Where can you find pre-written strings complete with facilitation notes and final display? https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/big

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 23, 2025.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Want more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

Which Problem Strings are appropriate for your students? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss what they consider when choosing a Problem String for a classroom.

Talking Points:

• A fraction addition example string
• Things to consider when choosing a Problem String:
  • Prewritten vs write your own
  • Time of year
  • Strategies students already own
  • Building a model vs building a strategy
  • Order of sophistication of strategies
  • Building a model vs strategy
  • New content versus review/reteach

See episodes 33, 71, 72, 163, 226, 241 for more on Problem Strings!

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 16, 2025.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Want more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!