About Us - Math Solutions

150 Gate 5 Road, Suite 101 

Sausalito, CA 94965 

About Us 

Marilyn Burns 

Founder of Marilyn Burns Education 

Associates, Marilyn Burns is one of 

today’s most highly respected mathematics 

educators. For more than 40 

years, she has been teaching and writing 

for children, leading inservice workshops, and creating 

teacher resource materials. Her many honors include 

the Glenn Gilbert National Leadership Award from the 

National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics and the 

Louise Hay Award for Contributions to Mathematics 

Education from the Association for Women in Mathematics. 

Inservice Instructors 

Math Solutions instructors are 

mathematics educators with years 

of classroom experience. They 

share a common commitment to 

helping teachers make the transition to a problem-solving 

approach to teaching mathematics. Coming from school 

districts and universities across the country, instructors 

include classroom teachers, district mathematics coor- 

dinators, school principals, and college mathematics 

teachers. Their experiences span all educational 

levels, from teaching primary children to collegelevel 

students. They teach with care and enthusiasm. 

Authors 

Marilyn Burns, along with 

a team of highly qualified 

mathematics educators, 

has authored more than 60 

publications and other teacher resources. Math 

Solutions authors are all experienced classroom 

teachers who have been recognized for excellence 

in teaching. They understand, as only teachers can, 

the challenges and pressures of the classroom and 

how to provide the support that teachers need to 

deepen and broaden their approach to mathematics 

instruction. Many authors are also Math Solutions 

inservice instructors. 

Marilyn Burns, Founder 

THE HELP YOU NEED TO IMPROVE MATH INSTRUCTION 

2006–2007

Now...the Help You Need 

TO IMPROVE STUDENT LEARNING 

IN MATHEMATICS 

For more than 20 years, 

Math Solutions Professional 

Development has served over 

500 districts in 47 states, 

helping more than 100,000 

teachers and administrators. 

S“Staff development that improves 

the learning of all students and 

deepens educators’ content knowledge, 

provides them with research-based 

instructional strategies to assist students 

in meeting rigorous academic standards, 

and prepares them to use various types 

of classroom assessment appropriately.” 

National Staff Development Council 

Math Solutions Professional 

Development helps teachers: 

Deepen their math content knowledge. 

Increase their understanding of how 

children learn. 

Implement effective instructional 

strategies. 

Integrate ongoing assessment with 

classroom instruction. 

For more information on all our inservice and 

publications, visit www.mathsolutions.com. 

CONTENTS 

Math Solutions Professional Development 2–5 

Planning for District-Wide Change 6–7 

Working with Math Solutions 8–9 

INSERVICE PROGRAMS 

Five-Day Courses 10–13 

Year-Round Sessions 14–15 

School-Year Series 16–17 

Developing Leadership 18–19 

Supporting Administrators 20–21 

PUBLICATIONS 

Resources for Administrators 22–23 

New Publications 24–25 

Classic Math Solutions Resources 26–27 

Connecting Math and Literacy 28–29 

Teaching Arithmetic ® 30–32 

Teaching Algebraic Thinking 33 

Probability, Geometry, and Money 34 

Communication in Math Class 35 

Helpful Resources for all K–2 and 

3–6 Teachers 36–37 

Professional Development Library 38 

Math Solutions Online 39 

About Us 40 

2 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 ORDER ONLINE — www.mathsolutions.com 3

Serving School Districts 

HELPING TEACHERS SUPPORT STUDENT LEARNING 

Professional 

Books 

School-Based 

Coaching 

Math Solutions 

Professional Development 

offers a broad range of 

services that help teachers 

increase student 

learning of 

mathematics. 


Online 

Inservice 

Resources 

for Leaders 

Videotapes 

When planning for large-scale 

improvement in mathematics, it’s 

tempting for a district to choose 

one approach to professional 

development over another. 

However, over the years we’ve 

learned that the optimal approach 

to professional development is to 

offer a combination of inservice, 

professional books, and videotapes. 

This multifaceted approach helps 

to create the cultural change and 

teach the necessary skills that lead 

to district-wide change. 

W“When we began working 

with Math Solutions, our 

goal was simple—we wanted 

to help teachers help their 

students discover new and 

exciting ways to understand 

math. Since then, our test scores 

have improved dramatically... 

in grade 5, they’ve soared from 

30% to 80%.Thank you, 

Math Solutions!” 

Denise Walston 

Math Coordinator 

Norfolk Public School District 

Norfolk,Virginia 


Planning for District-Wide Change 

DIFFERENT NEEDS, DIFFERENT APPROACHES 

Working together... 

“Teachers are the key to improving math 

instruction...but a professional development plan 

that focuses only on teachers is not sufficient.” 

Effecting system-wide instructional change is a complex 

process that requires: 

A dedicated team of educators who share the same vision 

and the same passion for success. 

A comprehensive plan that supports student learning at 

every level—from district administrators and principals to 

math coaches, teachers, and teacher leaders. 

The personalized attention of an accomplished specialist 

to support every phase of the math initiative. 

As a Math Solutions partner, you will work with a dedicated 

Education Specialist to assess your goals and ensure that your 

plan is executed efficiently and cohesively. 

Marilyn Burns 

Founder 

How Partnerships Work 

As a first step, the Education Specialist will be available to 

consult with you during the planning process. Using district data 

and resources, our team will help assess and clarify your vision 

for school mathematics, your most critical student learning 

needs, and the corresponding needs of the professionals who 

work in your district. 

As your plan unfolds, the Education Specialist will work with 

you every step of the way—from content development to inservice 

implementation. Throughout the process you will receive course 

evaluations and analyses as well as ongoing recommendations for 

modifying your professional development plan to build district 

capacity and increase student learning. 

For more information about becoming 

a Math Solutions partner, please call us 

at (800) 868-9092. 

O“Our Math Solutions Education 

Specialist has been with us since 

the very start. Her dedication to 

our success is unparalleled. . . 

Math Solutions is a true partner 

in every sense of the word, and 

our Education Specialist has 

set the standard for what we 

have come to expect in terms 

of quality and service.” 

Debra Sykes 

Director of Mathematics 

Buffalo Public School District 

Buffalo, New York 

6 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 

ORDER ORDER ONLINE ONLINE — — www.mathsolutions.com7 

7

Working with Math Solutions 

GETTING STARTED 

While there is no “right” way to get started with Math 

Solutions, many districts begin their professional development 

plan with this all-day session to build interest and enthusiasm. 

Professional Development 

POLISHING THE STONE 

School-based coaching brings instructional expertise to 

classrooms. Often teachers request coaching support to refine 

their instructional practices and analyze content issues. 

The Way to Math Solutions 

School-Based Coaching 

extend it! 

To extend the introductory 

experience, we suggest 

the following: 

• INSERVICE 

About Teaching Mathematics 

five-day courses are the cornerstone 

for district-wide change. 

See pages 10–11. 

• PUBLICATIONS 

Math Solutions Publications 

continue to help teachers expand 

their teaching repertoires and 

strengthen their content knowledge 

of mathematics. 


Essential to all professional development is the idea that making 

sense of mathematics is key to learning. Just as learning to read 

calls for bringing meaning to the printed page, learning math 

calls for bringing meaning to mathematical symbols, concepts, 

and skills. 

This all-day session introduces teachers to standards-based 

mathematics instruction where the focus is on students’ thinking, 

reasoning, and problem solving. Teachers are given hands-on 

experiences with the mathematics content. Effective instructional 

strategies are modeled. Samples of student work are used to 

connect session experiences to classroom instruction. 

Registration fee: $165 per participant 

Minimum of 40 participants per session 

There are many different ways to structure school-based 

coaching. We typically begin with a walk-through with the 

school principal to observe and discuss critical elements of 

the school’s mathematics program and to identify classroom 

needs. Based on these discussions, we create a coaching 

plan to carry out over time that may include some combination 

of the following: 

 

 

 

Meeting with teachers to focus on implementing 

teaching practices that promote thinking, reasoning, 

and communicating understanding. 

Using demonstration lessons, including pre- and postconversations, 

to analyze and fine-tune instruction. 

Providing individual classroom coaching focused on 

specific areas. 

Planning for instruction with grade-level teams. 

extend it! 

To extend the coaching 

experience, we suggest 

the following: 

• INSERVICE 

Distance Coaching provides 

ongoing support. See page 19. 



continue to help teachers expand 

their teaching repertoires and 

strengthen their content knowledge 

of mathematics. 


• VIDEOTAPES 

Mathematics: With 

Manipulatives videotapes using 

manipulatives in classroom 

instruction. See page 22. 

Registration fee: $6,300 per day, which includes all 

expenses plus pre-consultation 


Mathematics: Assessing 

Understanding videotapes 

show Marilyn Burns modeling 

individual interviews. 

See page 22. 

8 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 

ORDER ORDER ONLINE ONLINE — — www.mathsolutions.com9 

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Five-Day Courses 

THE CORNERSTONE TO IMPROVING 

Math Solutions Five-Day Courses help districts reach the large 

number of teachers needed to build grassroots, district-wide 

support for improving classroom mathematics instruction. 

MATH TEACHING 

Each course deepens teachers’ knowledge of the math they 

teach, helps them understand how children learn mathematics, 

and provides them with effective instructional strategies. 

FIVE-DAY 

extend it! 

To extend the summer 

inservice experience, we 

suggest the following: 

• INSERVICE 

Year-Round Sessions provide 

follow-up support on a wide 

range of topics. See pages 14–15. 


Teaching Arithmetic ® 12-book 

series provides lessons that work 

for specific topics in grades 1–6. 




Manipulatives videotapes 

model using manipulatives in 


See page 22. 

About Teaching Mathematics, Part 1 

This popular course is the traditional starting point for 

district-wide math professional development. Using our Math 

Solutions structure and each district’s math standards, About 

Teaching Mathematics, Part 1 helps teachers understand the K–8 

mathematics curriculum and what’s needed to teach it effectively. 

Teachers learn how to develop students’ abilities to think and 

reason; build students’ number sense, computation, and problem-solving 

skills; and organize instruction for whole-class, 

small-group, and individual learning. Course instructors with 

extensive classroom experience address specific grade-level needs. 


Hosting district discount available 

Enrollment minimums apply 

About Teaching Mathematics, Part 2 

Prerequisite: About Teaching Mathematics, Part 1 

After attending Part 1, teachers return to their classrooms ready 

to try out their new learning. In this second course, participants 

examine their classsroom implementation, refine their teaching 

practice, and learn more mathematics. Experiences throughout 

the week come from all strands of the mathematics curriculum, 

with an emphasis on measurement and geometry. Special attention 

is given to linking assessment and instruction. Teachers 

gain greater insights into student learning by examining student 

work, discussing students’ misconceptions, and learning strategies 

for helping students improve their written communication. 




extend it! 




• INSERVICE 

School-Year Series provide the 

unique opportunity for teachers to 

get feedback on their classroom 

instruction. See pages 16–17. 

• 

PUBLICATIONS 

Math Matters: Understanding 

the Math You Teach helps 

deepen teachers’ mathematical 

knowledge. See pages 24, 26. 


Mathematics: Teaching for 

Understanding videotapes help 

teachers learn from seeing classroom 

instruction in action. 

See page 22. 

A“ATM changed my thinking about math and how I teach 

it to my students. I feel more confident about myself as a 

learner and as a teacher.This is the best math course I have 

ever attended.Thank you!” 

Amy Seegars 

Teacher, Grade 1 

Richland County School District 

Columbia, South Carolina 

T“This course was one of the most meaningful learning 

experiences I have had in a long time.The format, 

presentations, and explorations were well planned 

and educationally aligned with Ohio’s state standards. 

I have a new perspective on my students’ mathematical 

needs and feel better equipped to meet those needs.” 

Rose Arnell 

Teacher, Grades 3–6 

Summit Elementary School 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

10 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 ORDER ORDER ONLINE ONLINE — — www.mathsolutions.com11 

11


These courses provide additional options for five-day 

professional development.They address timely and 

important topics for K–8 teachers. 


LITERATURE ALGEBRA MATH COACHES TEACHER LEADERS 

A common goal guides teacher leadership positions— 

to increase the learning of all students by supporting 

teachers to improve their teaching of mathematics. 

FIVE-DAY 

extend it! 




• INSERVICE 

Year-Round Sessions provide 

follow-up support on a wide range 

of topics. See pages 14–15. 

School-Year Series provide the 

unique opportunity for teachers to 

get feedback on their classroom 

instruction. See pages 16–17. 


Math, Literature, and 

Nonfiction Series offers lessons 

based on children’s literature and 

nonfiction. See page 28. 

Brainy Day ® Books invite children 

into the world of math with 

stories that engage and delight. 

See page 29. 


Lessons for Algebraic 

Thinking ® books help children 

make connections between 

arithmetic and algebra. 

See page 33. 

Math and Literature 

Using children’s literature as a context for learning is a mainstay 

of literacy programs across the country. This unique five-day 

course taps into teachers’ expertise using literature and helps 

them bring that expertise and enthusiasm into their mathematics 

instruction. Throughout the week, teachers learn how 

they can use children’s literature as a context for posing a 

variety of interesting mathematical problems that challenge 

students’ thinking and reasoning abilities. Teachers will learn 

how to select literature that provides a springboard into 

important topics in their math curriculum. 

Building a Foundation for Algebra 

Once relegated only to high school, algebra is now essential to 

elementary mathematics instruction at all grade levels. This fiveday 

course has been designed to help kindergarten through 

grade 8 teachers deepen their understanding of critical algebraic 

concepts. Building on the instruction they are already providing 

in arithmetic, teachers learn through hands-on investigations 

how to teach algebraic concepts and skills that include patterns, 

equivalence, variables, multiple representations, equations, 

graphing, and functions. 

FOR ALL FIVE-DAY COURSES 

Registration fee: $510 per participant, per session 



Supporting Math Coaches 

In recent years, a growing number of math coaches and 

specialists across the country have been designated to 

help teachers and schools improve mathematics instruction. 

Many begin this new role with a title and a charge, 

but seldom a road map—the roles and responsibilities of 

math coaches and specialists are far too complex for that. 

Their role requires ongoing development of content and 

instructional expertise, as well as an understanding of 

adult learning. A knowledgeable math coach has a powerful 

impact on a school’s mathematics program. Since 

math coaches typically support teachers across a span of 

grade levels, this carefully structured five-day course 

helps them develop skills for working across the K–5 

or 6–8 curriculum. 

Supporting Teacher Leaders 

NEW! 

Teacher leaders play an important role in helping school 

districts build the capacity to improve math teaching in 

all classrooms. In response to requests from districts, we 

designed this five-day course to help teacher leaders in 

their unique positions. The course helps teacher leaders 

examine their leadership responsibilities and develop 

strategies for working with their principals and fellow 

teachers. (Note: We provide criteria for selecting teacher 

leaders and determining the leadership structure that 

best suits your district’s needs.) 

extend it! 




• INSERVICE 

School-Year Series provide 

the unique opportunity for math 

coaches to get feedback on their 

coaching and refine their skills. 



The Math Coach Field Guide: 

Charting Your Course provides 

glimpses into the unique trials 

and successes of others in this 

role. See pages 23, 25. 


provide coaches and teacher 

leaders with resources to 

share with teachers in order to 

expand teaching repertoires and 

strengthen content knowledge. 


• INSERVICE 

Distance Coaching provides 

ongoing support for teacher 

leaders. See page 19. 

• 

PUBLICATIONS 

So You Have to Teach Math? 

Grades K–8 Series helps 

teacher leaders and math coaches 

respond to teachers’ questions. 

See page 25. 






See page 22. 

12 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 

ORDER ORDER ONLINE ONLINE — — www.mathsolutions.com 13 13

Year-Round Sessions 

A FRAMEWORK FOR BUILDING CHANGE 

Working with your state and local standards, an experienced 

team of Math Solutions Education Specialists develop allday 

sessions to address your specific needs and concerns. 

IN CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION 

Some sessions provide introductory experiences, while 

others offer follow-up experiences for teachers who have 

attended Math Solutions Five-Day courses. 

YEAR-ROUND 

All sessions are customized to meet your school 

district’s specific needs and grade-level interests. 

You can choose from more than 35 topics in six 

categories, revise a topic for your own emphasis, 

or request a topic not listed. 

NEW! 

Getting Started 

Minilessons for Math Practice 

The Way to Math Solutions 

Developing Number Sense 

Math for Middle School 

Teaching Math in Kindergarten 

Teaching Math in the Primary Grades 

Planning Instruction Month to Month 

Learning Math with Calculators 

Math and Language Arts 


Math and Nonfiction 

Writing in Math Class 

Communication in the Primary Grades 

Leading Classroom Discussions 

Asking Good Questions 

Teaching Arithmetic 

Beginning Number Concepts 

Introducing Place Value 

Extending Place Value 

Addition and Subtraction 

Introducing Multiplication 

Introducing Division 

Extending Multiplication 

Extending Division 

Introducing Fractions 

Extending Fractions 

Multiplying and Dividing Fractions 

Decimals and Percents 

Teaching Probability, Geometry, and Money 

Money in the Primary Grades 

Teaching a Geometry Unit 

Teaching a Probability Unit 

extend it! 

• INSERVICE 

About Teaching Mathematics 

five-day courses are the cornerstone 

for district-wide change. 




connect face-to-face inservice 

with implementation of instructional 

strategies. 



Mathematics: Teaching for 

Understanding videotapes help 

teachers learn from seeing 

classroom instruction in action. 

See page 22. 

Manipulative Materials 

Introducing Algebraic Thinking 

V“Very useful content—immediately 

applicable to the classroom. I am really 

happy when I go to an inservice and 

learn something so immediately useful!” 

Teddi Beam Conroy 


Northside Independent School District 

San Antonio,Texas 

Teaching with Pattern Blocks 

Teaching with Color Tiles 

Teaching with Snap TM Cubes 

Teaching with Geoboards 

Teaching with Cuisenaire ® Rods 

Teaching with Base Ten Blocks 

For details on textbook adoption support, see page 23. 

Algebraic Thinking in the Primary Grades 

Algebraic Thinking in the Intermediate Grades 

Algebraic Thinking in Middle School 

FOR ALL YEAR-ROUND SESSIONS 



A“As a result of our Math Solutions 

sessions throughout the school year, I’ve 

witnessed positive changes in instruction. 

More teachers are willing to take risks, 

stray from their traditional instructional 

approaches, aid students’ grasp of concepts, 

and engage them in the learning activities.” 

Barbra Balser 

Principal 

Monroe Clark Middle School 

San Diego, California 

14 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 ORDER ORDER ONLINE ONLINE — — www.mathsolutions.com 15 15

School-Year Series 

FOCUSING ON CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION 

Math Solutions School-Year Series bring together the same 

group of teachers regularly to focus on topics specific to their 

classroom needs.Teachers implement in their own classrooms 

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 

what they learn at each session; at the subsequent session, 

they have the unique opportunity to get feedback on 

their teaching and responses to their specific questions. 

SCHOOL-YEAR 

supporting resources 

Understanding the Math You Teach 

Teaching for Understanding 



Teaching Arithmetic ® 12-book 

series provides lessons that 

work for specific topics in 

grades 1–6. See pages 30–32. 


the Math You Teach helps 

deepen teachers’ mathematical 



Classroom Discussions 

explains how to use math talk 

to enhance student learning in 

grades 1–6. See page 35. 

Show and Tell addresses how 

to help students represent and 

communicate their mathematical 

ideas in K–2 classrooms. 

See page 35. 

• 

PUBLICATIONS 

Teaching Number Sense Series 

for kindergarten, grade 1 and 

grade 2 helps students develop 

good number intuition. 

See page 36. 

Developing Number Sense, 

Grades 3–6 provides lessons that 

help older children make sound 

numerical judgments. 

See page 37. 

NEW! 

These two series, one for elementary school and one for 

middle school, address the “third R” of the K–8 curriculum— 

arithmetic. Each session focuses on a different topic and helps 

build teachers’ understanding about what’s required to teach 

students to compute with accuracy and efficiency, develop 

number sense, and use their skills to solve problems. 

Elementary Grades: Session topics may include place value, 

operations with whole numbers, and rational numbers. 

Middle Grades: Session topics may include ratios and rates, 

operations with rational numbers, and integers. 

Integrating Communication into Math Instruction 

This series addresses the process standard of communication 

and helps teachers make oral and written communication 

an integral part of their math instruction. Each session 

focuses on classroom strategies that help teachers establish 

a communication-rich, problem-solving environment. 

Teaching Number Sense in K–3 

Teachers in the primary grades provide early experiences that 

profoundly influence the way students develop number sense. 

This series provides teachers with classroom strategies and 

activities that help young children work with numbers efficiently, 

accurately, flexibly, and with confidence. 

Making sense is the key to learning mathematics. Without an 

instructional focus on understanding, students are at risk of 

seeing math as a collection of procedures to be followed. This 

series provides teachers with classroom strategies that help 

children make sense of the mathematics they are studying. 

Assessing Understanding 

While teachers typically have experience assessing their students’ 

ability to read, they lack experience doing so for mathematics 

and often lack specific, in-depth information about their students’ 

math skills and understanding. This series helps teachers learn 

to assess their students mathematically and plan the next 

instructional steps. 

Teaching with Manipulatives 

Many teachers have manipulative materials available to them 

but haven’t received the help they need to use them effectively 

for classroom instruction. This series shows teachers how to 

make manipulative materials an integral classroom tool for 

teaching mathematics concepts and skills. 


Mathematics: Teaching 

for Understanding and 

Mathematics: For Middle 

School videotapes show 

lessons in grades K–6 and 

6–8. See page 22. 






See page 22. 

• 

VIDEOTAPES 


Manipulatives videotapes model 

using manipulative materials in 


See page 22. 

FOR ALL SCHOOL-YEAR SERIES 



School-Year Series are available in four to six sessions 

For Paraprofessionals 

Math Solutions also designs series that help support parent coordinators, 

classroom aides, and other personnel. 

Call us for more information at (800) 868-9092. 

16 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 


Developing Leadership 

BUILDING A DISTRICT’S CAPACITY TO SUSTAIN CHANGE 

Working in partnership with the school principal, 

math coaches and teacher leaders have a powerful 

impact on a school’s mathematics program. 

Math Solutions is available to design a series of teacher 

leadership sessions to meet your district’s specific needs 

by developing methods for supporting classroom teachers. 

LEADERSHIP 




K–8 Series helps teacher 

leaders and math coaches 

respond to teachers’ questions. 

See page 25. 





Leading the Way presents 

essays from administrators 

across the country involved 

in improving math instruction. 

See page 23. 


Mathematics: What Are You 

Teaching My Child? presents 

a convincing and compelling 

message about effective 


See page 22. 

Classroom Teacher Leaders 

Supporting School-Based Change, School-Based Math Leadership Teams, and 

Grade-Level Math Leadership Teams 

Often districts enlist the help of key classroom teachers 

to take on math leadership responsibilities in addition to 

their daily classroom instruction. Working with a district’s 

math improvement plan, Math Solutions designs sessions to 

help teacher leaders collaborate with their school principal 

and/or school math team to create, implement, and evaluate 

a clearly defined action plan for improving math instruction 

in their school. In addition to participating in sessions, 

teacher leaders complete back-at-school assignments to 

build their skills in working with students, other teachers, and 

their principal. (Note: We provide criteria for selecting teacher 

leaders and determining the leadership structure that best 

suits your district’s needs.) 

Math Coaches 

Helping Math Coaches Support Change 

Many districts are turning to math coaches as a strategy for 

implementing their math improvement plans. Typically, coaches 

are teachers released from the classroom to take on the fulltime 

special assignment of working to improve classroom math 

instruction. Coordinating with districts’ math improvement 

plans, Math Solutions designs sessions to provide math coaches 

with effective methods for working with teachers. Sessions can 

include a demonstration lesson taught by the Math Solutions 

instructor to a local class of students, which is then used as 

a springboard for examining the content of the mathematics 

curriculum, classroom pedagogy, and coaching strategies. 

FOR ALL LEADERSHIP SESSIONS 


Minimum of 33 participants and a maximum of 40 

participants per session 

Distance Coaching 

Distance Coaching, available to districts 

in long-term partnerships, supports 

teacher leaders and math coaches 

between sessions. The Math Solutions 

instructor provides this support through 

phone meetings as well as by e-mail. 

Fee is based on the type of coaching, the number of 

contacts, and the number of participants. 

F“For me, personally, having the support 

of Math Solutions is invaluable. I’ve 

gained an unbelievable amount of new 

learning this year through the project. 

We’re developing new structures to create 

more of an ongoing learning community. 

The Math Solutions Education Specialist 

has been awesome to work with. Of all 

the professional development in which 

I’ve participated, this has been the best.” 

Paul Okin 

Math Coach, Region 10 

New York City Department of Education 

New York, New York 




Charting Your Course provides 

glimpses into the unique trials 

and successes of others in this 

role. See pages 23, 25. 

Good Questions for Math 

Teaching K–8 Series addresses 

questioning strategies for classroom 

discussions. See page 35. 


the Math You Teach deepens 

teachers’ mathematical 






18 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 

ORDER ONLINE — www.mathsolutions.com 19

Supporting Administrators 

HELPING TO PLAN, IMPLEMENT, AND 

The involvement of school and district administrators is critical to 

improving classroom mathematics instruction. Math Solutions 

administrator sessions help district administrators and building principals 

plan for, implement, and sustain long-lasting change. 

SUPPORT LONG-LASTING CHANGE 

Special Feature: Each session includes a demonstration lesson 

taught by the Math Solutions instructor to a local class of students. 

The lesson provides a springboard for examining the content of 

the mathematics curriculum and ways to evaluate classroom teaching. 

ADMINISTRATORS 



Math: Facing an American 

Phobia helps avoid the risks 

of teaching math without a 

focus on understanding. 

See page 27. 



Teaching My Child? presents 

a convincing and compelling 

message about effective 


See page 22. 


Leading the Way presents 

essays from administrators 

across the country involved in 

improving math instruction. 

See page 23. 


Inservice Videotapes show 

math instruction in action in 

classrooms, addressing using 

manipulative materials, teaching 

for understanding, assessing 

understanding, and teaching 

math in middle school. 

See page 22. 

Supporting Math Instruction 

This one-day session helps district administrators focus on 

the essentials for improving mathematics teaching across 

the district. As a result of the day, administrators understand 

the issues underlying current standards for math 

education, identify the audiences that must be involved, 

and clarify the components essential for strategic planning. 

Principals—Instructional Leaders for Math 

Principals have the responsibility for schoolwide 

implementation of the district standards. In this session, 

principals analyze characteristics of effective math lessons 

and learn what to look for during classroom observations 

so they can better assess classroom instruction and 

support teachers. 

FOR ALL LEADERSHIP SESSIONS 


Minimum of 33 participants and a maximum of 40 

participants per session 

Working with Your Math Coaches 

Many districts are turning to math coaches as a strategy for 

supporting teachers and improving mathematics instruction. 

While the role of a math coach may vary at both the district 

and the school level, the common thread of a clearly defined 

partnership between principals and coaches is the cornerstone 

for successful classroom coaching. Through this 

session, principals and math coaches engage in experiences 

that define and articulate expectations for a vital partnership. 

School-Based Support for School Leaders 

This school-based support, scheduled in daylong increments, 

helps principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, 

and teacher leaders focus on improving mathematics teaching 

in their school. Because each day is tailored by a Math 

Solutions specialist to meet specific needs identified by the 

principal and other school leaders, on-site support varies in 

the purposes it can address, and it takes many forms. For 

example, leaders have scheduled this day of support to: 

• Assess critical elements of the school’s mathematics 

program using student data and define specific areas 

of need. 

• Strengthen (or build) expertise in using walk-throughs, 

lesson observations, and follow-up conversations to 

improve instruction. 

• Prepare the school leadership and teachers to purposefully 

experience and then implement professional 

development to address their school’s specific needs. 



Good Questions for Math 

Teaching K–8 Series 

addresses questioning strategies 

for classroom discussions. 

See page 35. 

Math Matters: 

Understanding the Math 

You Teach deepens teachers’ 

mathematical knowledge. 

See pages 24, 26. 






K–8 Series helps teacher leaders 

and math coaches respond 

to teachers’ questions. 

See page 25. 

20 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 


Resources for Administrators 

The resources on these two pages address 

issues for all administrators concerned with 

improving math instruction. Our videotapes, 

filmed in actual classrooms, bring to life the 

philosophy and classroom teaching practices 

that guide all Math Solutions inservice programs 

and publications. And the books 

address timely and important topics. 


Teaching My Child? 

Grades K–6 20 minutes 

Marilyn Burns’s clear and informative commentary 

makes this lively and compelling videotape an 

excellent tool for orienting both parents and teachers 

to the continually changing world of math 

instruction and explaining why change will benefit 

students. Woven throughout the video are scenes 

of classroom instruction, interviews with parents 

about their own math schooling, and visits with 

professionals using math in real-world contexts. 

English version: Item No. 605050 $26.95 

Spanish version: Item No. 605550 $26.95 

Mathematics: Teaching 

for Understanding 

VIDEOTAPES AND PROFESSIONAL BOOKS 

Set of 3 videotapes Grades K–6 

20 minutes each 

With an emphasis on basic 

math topics, these videos stress 

the importance of teaching for 

understanding. This series 

includes lessons on place value, multiplication, and fractions. Part 1 

presents teacher-directed whole-class lessons; Part 2 shows students 

working independently in small groups on a menu of activities; Part 3 

shows how oral and written communication supports children’s learning 

and helps teachers assess understanding. 

Item No. 603000 $229.00 


Understanding 



Marilyn Burns models individual 

interviews, demonstrating what to 

ask, how to follow up on students’ 

leads, and how wait time allows 

students to think through and reconsider responses. Part 1 focuses on 

number sense and place value with children ages 7 through 9; Part 2 

assesses whole-number operations with two 10-year-old students; 

Part 3 focuses on fractions and shows an in-depth interview with one 

12-year-old student. 

Item No. 604000 $229.00 

Mathematics: For 

Middle School 

Set of 3 videotapes Grades 6–8 


Classroom lessons draw from all 

strands of the middle school 

mathematics curriculum—number, 

algebra, geometry, measurement, 

probability, and statistics. Part 1 

models classroom instruction; 

Part 2 demonstrates how teachers can structure lessons, respond 

to students, and incorporate homework into lessons; Part 3 builds 

teachers’ content knowledge of the middle school math curriculum. 

Item No. 602000 Complete set of 3 videotapes $229.00 

Item No. 602001 Part 1 $79.95 

Item No. 602002 Part 2 $79.95 

Item No. 602003 Part 3 $79.95 


Manipulatives 



Teachers increase their understanding 

of the power of manipulatives with 

these six award-winning videotapes 

that capture students engaged in 

hands-on learning. Five of the 

videotapes each focus on a different 

manipulative material; the sixth videotape, Six Models, features Unifix ® 

cubes, Multilink ® cubes, color tiles, attribute blocks, tangrams, and 

two-color counters. 

Item No. 601000 Complete set of 6 videotapes $450.00 

Item No. 601001 Base Ten Blocks $79.95 

Item No. 601002 Pattern Blocks $79.95 

Item No. 601003 Cuisenaire ® Rods $79.95 

Item No. 601004 Color Tiles $79.95 

Item No. 601005 Geoboards $79.95 

Item No. 601006 Six Models $79.95 

Leading the Way: 

Principals and Superintendents 

Look at Math Instruction 

edited by Marilyn Burns 

This collection of essays provides a firsthand 

glimpse into the challenges administrators 

face and the efforts they’ve made to promote 

the best in mathematics education. This book 

is a must for superintendents, principals, 

math coordinators, teacher leaders, math 

coaches, and other administrators who are supporting high-quality, 

standards-based mathematics instruction in their schools and districts. 

ISBN: 0-941355-21-7 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-21-6 K–6 administrators 128 pages $16.50 

Math Homework That Counts, 

Grades 4–6 

by Annette Raphel 

This informative resource explores the purposes 

of homework and how teachers and 

school administrators can create more 

inventive and meaningful assignments. 

Through numerous examples of math 

homework assignments, Annette Raphel 

demonstrates how homework can reinforce 

skills, prepare students for classroom discussions, 

and inspire their mathematical creativity. 

ISBN: 0-941355-27-6 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-27-8 Grades 4–6 104 pages $13.95 

Getting Your Math 

Message Out to Parents: 

A K–6 Resource 

by Nancy Litton 

Nancy Litton tackles the tricky issue of 

bridging the gap between home and school. 

In this book she explores the various channels 

—newsletters, back-to-school-night presentations, 

homework, and more—through which 

teachers can communicate with parents about 

their children’s math education. 

ISBN: 0-941355-20-9 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-20-9 Grades K–6 152 pages $15.95 

NEW! 

The Math Coach Field 

Guide: Charting Your Course 

edited by Carolyn Felux 

and Paula Snowdy 

The role of a math coach is demanding 

and often undefined. In this edited 

collection, veteran math coaches 

share their expertise, providing 

glimpses into the unique trials, false 

starts, and successes they have faced 

in their positions. The authors ask 

and answer such questions as the following: What makes 

an effective math coach? What are helpful strategies for 

supporting both eager and reluctant teachers? What 

pitfalls do math coaches encounter and what can they 

do about them? 

Written by coaches for coaches, this book is also an invaluable 

resource for teacher leaders, school administrators, 

and mathematics supervisors. 

ISBN: 0-941355-72-1 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-72-8 All levels 144 pages $16.50 

Support for 

Math Adoptions 

Math Solutions Professional Development provides an 

approach to teaching mathematics, not a curriculum. We 

work with whatever curriculum a district has adopted, helping 

teachers bring thinking and reasoning to the lessons. We 

help teachers connect with pedagogical issues that support 

students’ increased understanding of mathematical skills 

and concepts. 

We are often called upon by districts and schools to support 

their math adoptions. This takes on many forms, and teachers’ 

professional development needs are different depending on 

where in the adoption phase we are asked to enter. 

Prior to an adoption—to lay a foundation for understanding 

the content and the pedagogical issues necessary 

for an effective implementation of a new curriculum. 

Shortly after an adoption—to focus on the areas that 

teachers are most concerned about and to clarify how 

to maximize the curriculum so the focus is on students 

developing understanding. 

Later in the adoption cycle—to help identify the holes 

that exist in every curriculum and help teachers address 

them effectively. 

Call us at (800) 868-9092 to discuss your needs with our 

Client Relations representatives. We will design professional 

development to support your teachers and administrators. 

ADMINISTRATOR 

RESOURCES 


New Publications from Math 

CONTINUING OUR SUPPORT WITH 

Solutions for 2006–2007 

QUALITY RESOURCES 

NEW! 

NEW! NEW! NEW! 

NEW BOOKS 

Math Matters: Understanding the 

Math You Teach, Grades K–8, 

Second Edition 

by Suzanne H. Chapin and Art Johnson 

Math Matters, first published in 2000, quickly became an 

invaluable resource for math educators nationwide, helping 

them clarify their own understanding of the math concepts they 

were required to teach. This important book contains activities 

and discussions on key elementary topics such as whole-number 

computation, fractions, algebra, geometry, and measurement. 

The book’s scope has now been expanded to address key topics 

in the middle school math curriculum as well, including sections 

on integers, exponents, similarity, the Pythagorean 

theorem, and more. 

Other new features include a chapter on ratios and rates; 

a significantly expanded chapter on algebra; an appendix of 

relevant Web sites; and questions for reflection and discussion. 

Math Matters is an essential and accessible book that serves 

all who teach or are about to teach K–8 mathematics—experienced 

instructors as well as those just starting out. 

ISBN: 0-941-35571-3 


M“Math Matters deserves a place in the 

professional library of all teachers and 

college faculty of elementary and 

middle school mathematics.” 

Marilyn Burns 

Founder 


by Rusty Bresser and Caren Holtzman 

These two new books present an innovative approach to reinforcing 

students’ math skills. The 27 engaging lessons in each 

book are easy to implement, require little or no preparation, 

and take only 5 to 15 minutes to teach. Designed for use during 

transition times, the minilessons help students practice math 

concepts, skills, and processes by applying them in a variety of 

problem-solving contexts throughout the school day. Content 

areas explored include the following: number and operations; 

algebra; geometry; data analysis and probability; and measurement. 

Each activity includes a materials list, teaching directions, 

a list of key questions, and ideas for extending the activity 

throughout the year. 

Minilessons for Math Practice, Grades K–2 


ISBN: 0-941355-74-8 


Minilessons for Math Practice, Grades 3–5 


ISBN: 0-941355-75-6 


Save 15% 

Complete Minilessons for 

Math Practice Series 

Set of 2 books 

Item No. 514012 List Price: $39.90 Set Price: $33.95 


Sound Advice for Grades 6–8 Teachers 

by Cheryl Rectanus 

So You Have to Teach Math? Sound Advice for Grades 6–8 

Teachers addresses the particular challenges of teaching math 

in the middle grades, giving teachers direction, support, and 

encouragement for promoting mathematical learning for all 

students. The author provides in-depth answers to nearly 150 

thought-provoking questions. Teachers will find here helpful 

ideas for leading class discussions, incorporating writing into 

math class, assessing and grading student work, dealing with 

homework issues, communicating with parents, and more. 

ISBN: 0-941355-73-X 



Sound Advice for K–6 Teachers 

by Marilyn Burns and Robyn Silbey 

Marilyn Burns and Robyn Silbey offer sensible and practical 

advice guaranteed to give all teachers support and direction for 

improving their mathematics teaching. The lively Q-and-A format 

addresses the concerns about teaching mathematics that most 

kindergarten through grade 6 teachers grapple with. 

ISBN: 0-941355-29-2 


Save 15% 

Complete So You Have to 

Teach Math? Series 




Charting Your Course 

edited by Carolyn Felux and Paula Snowdy 

The role of a math coach is demanding and often undefined. 

Many math coaches feel unprepared to meet the enormous challenge 

of helping schools improve math instruction. In this edited 

collection, veteran math coaches share their expertise, providing 

glimpses into the unique trials, false starts, and successes they 

have faced in their positions. The authors ask and answer such 

questions as the following: What makes an effective math 

coach? What are helpful strategies for supporting both eager 

and reluctant teachers? What pitfalls do math coaches encounter 

and what can they do about them? 

Written by coaches for coaches, this book is also an invaluable 

resource for teacher leaders, school administrators, and mathematics 

supervisors. 

ISBN: 0-941355-72-1 


I“I remember well the day when I hesitantly 

agreed to become a math coach in my school, 

fourteen years ago. Supporting teachers and a 

principal on a journey to creating quality 

programs where children truly understood 

mathematics was a goal that seemed daunting 

to me. It was clearly an enormous, complex 

task and I didn’t know where to begin.” 

Chris Confer 

From The Math Coach Field Guide 

24 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 


Classic Math Solutions Resources 

CONNECTING FACE-TO-FACE INSERVICE TO CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION 

While there is no substitute for the 

hands-on experience gained from a 

professional development course, the 

important ideas and skills delivered 

need reinforcement to achieve lasting 

change in classroom instruction. 

The resource books on these two pages 

provide a valuable link between face-toface 

inservice and the implementation of 

effective math lessons. Well received 

since their introduction, these classic 

Math Solutions books continue to help 

teachers expand their teaching repertoires 

and strengthen their content 

knowledge of mathematics. 

I“I purchased About Teaching Mathematics 

and read it cover to cover. I bought it because 

math was never my strong suit and I was 

pursuing my National Board Certification. 

The book helped prepare me for the rigorous 

process of certification and I scored the highest 

on the mathematics areas of the exam! 

I am now a National Board Certified 

teacher and my students love the 

math lessons I come up with.” 

Kathy Bacon 


Jennie Dean Elementary School 

Manassas,Virginia 

About Teaching Mathematics: 

A K–8 Resource, 


by Marilyn Burns 

Marilyn Burns shares decades of experience 

with teachers and students in 

this requisite resource for anyone 

who teaches math or is concerned 

with improving math instruction. A 

compendium of about 240 classroomtested 

lessons, this book has provided 

more than 300,000 teachers with 

practical wisdom and guidance for 

building student understanding and 

skills through a problem-solving approach to teaching mathematics. 

A discussion section for content-related explanations and an answer 

key for selected problems are also included. 

ISBN: 0-941355-25-X 


Math Matters: 

Understanding the 

Math You Teach, Grades K–8, 


NEW! 

by Suzanne H. Chapin and Art Johnson 

Math Matters, first published in 

2000, quickly became an invaluable 

resource for math educators nationwide, 

helping them clarify their own 

understanding of the math concepts 

they were required to teach. This 

important book contains activities 

and discussions on key elementary 

topics such as whole-number computation, 

fractions, algebra, geometry, and measurement. The book’s 

scope has now been expanded to address key topics in the middle 

school math curriculum as well, including sections on integers, 

exponents, similarity, the Pythagorean theorem, and more. 

Other new features include a new chapter on ratios and rates; a 

significantly expanded chapter on algebra; an appendix of relevant 

Web sites; and questions for reflection and discussion. 

ISBN: 0-941-355-71-3 


A Collection of Math Lessons, Grades 1–8 

Marilyn Burns’s three-book collection of classroom-tested lessons 

presents vignettes that bring to life her unique and inspiring 

problem-solving approach to teaching. The lessons address 

important concepts and skills in all areas of the math curriculum—number, 

algebra, geometry, measurement, probability, and 

statistics. Samples of student work are included throughout. 

Grades 1–3 

by Marilyn Burns and Bonnie Tank 

ISBN: 0-941355-01-2 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-01-8 200 pages $19.95 

Grades 3–6 


ISBN: 0-941355-00-4 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-00-1 184 pages $19.95 

Grades 6–8 

by Marilyn Burns and Cathy Humphreys 

ISBN: 0-941355-03-9 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-03-2 192 pages $19.95 

Math: Facing an 

American Phobia 


Math is a phobia right up there 

with snakes, public speaking, and 

heights. But according to Marilyn 

Burns, it doesn’t have to be that way. 

This book humorously uncovers the 

reasons behind math’s dreadful reputation 

and shows us how we can 

help prevent our own children from 

adopting similar phobic attitudes. 

The book is a must for mathematical 

“haves” and “have-nots.” 

ISBN: 0-941355-19-5 




by Marilyn Burns and Robyn Silbey 

ISBN: 0-941355-29-2 



Sound Advice for Grades 6–8 Teachers 


ISBN: 0-941355-73-X 


NEW! 

For a full description of the So You Have to Teach Math? series, 

please see page 25. 

Save 15% 

Complete So You Have to 

Teach Math? Series 



50 Problem-Solving 

Lessons: The Best 

from 10 Years of 


Newsletters, Grades 1–6 


This best-of book compiles 

Marilyn Burns’s most trusted lessons 

from the Math Solutions 

Newsletter she began publishing 

in 1986. A classic professional 

development resource, this book 

remains a popular starting point for any teacher introducing a 

problem-solving approach to teaching mathematics. All lessons 

are richly illustrated with samples of children’s work. 

ISBN: 0-941355-16-0 


BOOKS 

26 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 


Connecting Math and Literacy 

MATHEMATICS, CHILDREN’S LITERATURE, 

AND NONFICTION 

Brainy Day ® Series, Grades K–5 

math activities by Marilyn Burns 

Brown Paper School Books, Grades 3–6 

stories by Marilyn Burns illustrations by Martha Weston 

BOOKS 

Math and Nonfiction 

This two-book series presents a unique opportunity 

for teachers to extend their use of nonfiction into teaching 

mathematics. Each resource draws on nonfiction children’s 

books that are ideal for using students’ natural quest for 

knowledge as the basis for mathematical investigations. 

Students will be motivated to think, reason, and use their 

math skills to solve problems. With introductions by 

Marilyn Burns, these books include vignettes of lessons 

and samples of student work. 

Math and Nonfiction, Grades K–2 

by Jamee Petersen 

ISBN: 0-941355-61-6 


Math and Nonfiction, Grades 3–5 

by Stephanie Sheffield and Kathleen Gallagher 

ISBN: 0-941355-62-4 


Save 15% 

Complete Math, Literature, 

and Nonfiction Series 



T“Teachers who purchase these books will 

find many wonderful ideas and lessons that 

can be used with any mathematics series.” 

Susan Weiss 

Elementary Resource Teacher 

Brookline, Massachusetts 


This four-book series helps teachers use the imaginative 

ideas in children’s books for math lessons. Organized into 

four grade-level collections to respond to teachers’ specific 

classroom needs, this series includes favorite lessons 

based on a wide variety of children’s books. Teachers will 

appreciate these books for the enjoyment and excitement 

they bring to math instruction. With introductions by Marilyn 

Burns, these books include vignettes of lessons and 

samples of student work. 

Math and Literature, Grades K–1 

by Marilyn Burns and Stephanie Sheffield 

ISBN: 0-941355-66-7 


Math and Literature, Grades 2–3 

by Marilyn Burns and Stephanie Sheffield 

ISBN: 0-941355-67-5 


Math and Literature, Grades 4–6, Second Edition 

by Rusty Bresser 

ISBN: 0-941355-68-3 


Math and Literature, Grades 6–8 

by Jennifer M. Bay-Williams and Sherri L. Martinie 

ISBN: 0-941355-63-2 


Amanda Bean’s Amazing Dream 

story by Cindy Neuschwander illustrations by Liza Woodruff 

An amazing dream convinces Amanda Bean of the powers of multiplication. 

Used in Teaching Arithmetic: Lessons for Introducing 

Multiplication, Grade 3 (see page 30). 

ISBN: 0-590-30012-1 

ISBN 13: 978-0-590-30012-4 $16.95 

The Greedy Triangle 

story by Marilyn Burns illustrations by Gordon Silveria 

After many trips to the shapeshifter, the triangle learns that being 

a triangle is best after all. Used in Math By All Means: Geometry, 

Grades 3–4 (see page 34). 

ISBN: 0-590-48991-7 

ISBN 13: 978-0-590-48991-1 $16.95 

A Cloak for the Dreamer 

story by Aileen Friedman illustrations by Kim Howard 

The tailor’s youngest son makes a cloak that doesn’t keep out the 

wind and rain, but his father finds a geometric way to fix the problem. 

Used in Math By All Means: Geometry, Grades 1–2 (see page 34). 

ISBN: 0-590-48987-9 

ISBN 13: 978-0-590-48987-4 $16.95 

Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! 

A Mathematical Story 

story by Marilyn Burns illustrations by Debbie Tilley 

Area and perimeter come alive as Mr. and Mrs. Comfort make 

room for everyone at their family reunion. Used in Math By All 

Means: Area and Perimeter, Grades 5–6 (see page 34). 

ISBN: 0-590-94459-2 

ISBN 13: 978-0-590-94459-5 $16.95 

The King’s Commissioners 

story by Aileen Friedman illustrations by Susan Guevara 

Royal Advisors and the Princess show the King how to keep track 

of how many commissioners he has. Used in Teaching Arithmetic: 

Lessons for Introducing Place Value, Grade 2 (see page 30). 

ISBN: 0-590-48989-5 

ISBN 13: 978-0-590-48989-8 $16.95 

The I Hate Mathematics! Book 

Published in 1975, this is the first book that Marilyn Burns ever 

wrote. An instant success, it’s still a favorite that engages children 

with games, riddles, puzzles, problems, and more...whether or 

not they hate mathematics. 

ISBN: 0-316117-41-2 

ISBN 13: 978-0-316-11741-8 127 pages $14.95 

Math for Smarty Pants 

Everyone can be a math smarty pants. In this sequel to The I Hate 

Mathematics! Book, Marilyn Burns helps convince children that 

there is no one-way route to mathematical success. 

ISBN: 0-316117-39-0 

ISBN 13: 978-0-316-11739-5 128 pages $14.95 

The Book of Think 

Marilyn Burns gives children the confidence they need and the 

tools they can use to tackle problem situations. The ideas and 

activities in this book help children learn what to do when they 

are puzzled, perplexed, or stumped, and provide them with 

plenty of practice with intriguing problems. 

ISBN: 0-316117-43-9 

ISBN 13: 978-0-316-11743-2 125 pages $14.95 

The $1.00 Word Riddle Book 

story by Marilyn Burns 

illustrations by Martha Weston 

Which day of the week is a $1.00 

word? And which U.S. coin is a 

$1.00 word, even though it’s not 

really worth a dollar? Find out 

the answers to these and dozens 

more riddles in this unique and 

delightfully illustrated book. 

Each riddle calls for searching 

for words, practicing addition, 

and thinking mathematically. 

ISBN: 0-941355-02-0 



Teaching Arithmetic ® 

Each of the 12 books in this 

series focuses on a specific 

arithmetic topic and presents 

detailed lessons for a particular 

grade or span of grades. 

Lessons address the three 

important aspects of arithmetic 

instruction—computation, 

number sense, and problem 

solving. Also, each lesson 

provides all of the information 

teachers need for implementation, 

including step-by-step 

directions, amount of time needed, 

materials required, classroom 

vignettes, samples of student 

work, and a discussion of the 

math underlying the lesson. 

LESSONS THAT WORK FOR TEACHING 

M“My students came away with an excellent 

understanding of how to multiply and 

divide fractions, and it made sense to them. 

They now have a firmer grip on what 

fractions represent and how they relate to 

each other and other numbers. I highly 

recommend Lessons for Multiplying 

and Dividing Fractions to anyone 

teaching math in fifth or sixth grade.” 

Brian Swan 


Beach Elementary School 

Portland, Oregon 

Lessons for First Grade 

by Stephanie Sheffield 

Using manipulatives to solve real-world problems, students learn to 

estimate, develop number sense, and compute mentally. 

ISBN: 0-941355-34-9 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-34-6 Grade 1 176 pages $26.95 

Lessons for Introducing Place Value, Grade 2 

by Maryann Wickett and Marilyn Burns 

Second graders conduct investigations that help build their understanding 

of the tens and ones structure of our number system. 

ISBN: 0-941355-45-4 


Lessons for Extending Place Value, Grade 3 


Using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, students explore 

the base ten system through the ten thousands. 

ISBN: 0-941355-57-8 


Lessons for Addition and Subtraction, Grades 2–3 

by Bonnie Tank and Lynne Zolli 

Students learn basic facts, develop multiple strategies for computing, 

make estimates, and apply addition and subtraction to problem-solving 

situations. Classroom assessments are also included. 

ISBN: 0-941355-32-2 


Lessons for Introducing Multiplication, Grade 3 


Students learn how multiplication relates to repeated addition and how it 

can be interpreted geometrically. 

ISBN: 0-941355-41-1 


THE BASICS 

Lessons for Extending Multiplication, Grades 4–5 


Students become more proficient at estimating and mental 

multiplication, learn to apply the distributive property to multidigit 

multiplication, and develop strategies for computing. 

ISBN: 0-941355-31-4 


Lessons for Introducing Division, Grades 3–4 

by Maryann Wickett, Susan Ohanian, and Marilyn Burns 

By connecting multiplication to division, students learn how to 

recognize the two types of division problems, how to think about 

remainders in different ways, and how this can be applied to solve 

real-world problems. 

ISBN: 0-941355-42-X 


Lessons for Extending Division, Grades 4–5 


Students learn divisibility rules and build their understanding 

of the relationship among dividends, divisors, quotients, and 

remainders. Classroom assessments are also included. 

ISBN: 0-941355-46-2 


Lessons for Introducing Fractions, Grades 4–5 


Students learn to name fractional parts of wholes and 

sets, as well as compare, order, and combine fractions. 

ISBN: 0-941355-33-0 


Save 15% 

Complete Teaching Arithmetic ® Series 



Lessons for Extending Fractions, Grade 5 


Students strengthen their basic skills and gain the understanding 

they need for adding and subtracting fractions. 

ISBN: 0-941355-43-8 


Lessons for Multiplying and Dividing Fractions, 

Grades 5–6 


Students work through lessons that help them understand the 

underlying rationale for how we multiply and divide fractions and 

mixed numbers. 

ISBN: 0-941355-64-0 


Lessons for Decimals and Percents, Grades 5–6 

by Carrie De Francisco and Marilyn Burns 

Students learn to interpret and compare decimal numerals, relate 

them to fractions, and relate fractions to percents. 

ISBN: 0-941355-44-6 


L“Lessons for Extending Multiplication is a 

winner and it engenders in me ‘what if’ feelings. 

What if school systems supported study groups 

so that teachers could discuss lessons, note 

expected responses from students, and then discuss 

the observed mathematical understanding 

and learning progressing in their classes? 

Lessons for Extending Multiplication gives 

teachers support of well-thought-out lessons in 

an easy-to-follow format.” 

Pat Hess 

February/March 2002 issue of Intersection 

30 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 ORDER ONLINE — www.mathsolutions.com 31 

BOOKS

Lessons for Fractions 

TEACHING ARITHMETIC ® SERIES 

Teaching Algebraic Thinking 

PRIORITY FOR INSTRUCTION 

BOOKS 

Part of the acclaimed Teaching Arithmetic ® 

Algebra, once a topic relegated to high 

school, is now one of the top priorities for 

elementary and middle school. Lessons in 

this series build on instruction teachers 

already provide in arithmetic, and each 

includes an overview, vocabulary used, 

time needed, materials required, and a 

classroom vignette. Samples of student 

work help teachers plan and prepare. 

series, this set showcases all of Marilyn 

Burns’s lessons for teaching fractions in 

grades 4, 5, and 6. 

Lessons for Introducing Fractions, Grades 4–5 


These lessons provide students with the foundation they need to 

experience success with fractions. Through hands-on investigations, 

students learn to name fractional parts of wholes and sets; use 

standard notation to represent fractional parts; understand 

equivalence; compare, order, and combine fractions; and make 

reasonable estimates when solving problems involving fractions. 

ISBN: 0-941355-33-0 


Lessons for Extending Fractions, Grade 5 


This book strengthens students’ basic knowledge about fractions 

and focuses on helping them gain the understanding they need for 

adding and subtracting fractions. While the book builds on Lessons 

for Introducing Fractions, Grades 4–5, it remains accessible and 

appropriate for all students who have had beginning experiences 

naming, comparing, and ordering fractions. 

ISBN: 0-941355-43-8 


Lessons for Multiplying and Dividing Fractions, 

Grades 5–6 


In this book, Marilyn Burns tackles the topic of how to teach students 

to multiply and divide fractions—and understand what they are doing. 

Students build conceptual understanding as they develop proficiency. 

Teachers using these activities have reported that for the first time, 

they themselves understand the underlying rationale, and how to teach 

it, for how we multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers. 

ISBN: 0-941355-64-0 


Save 15% 

Complete Set of 3 Fraction Books 


Lessons for Algebraic Thinking, Grades K–2 

by Leyani von Rotz and Marilyn Burns 

Recognizing that children’s understanding of numbers is the main 

focus of math instruction in the primary grades, these lessons 

build on arithmetic concepts and skills to develop children’s 

algebraic thinking. Manipulative materials, problem-solving investigations, 

games, and real-world and imaginary contexts support 

arithmetic learning while introducing ideas basic to algebra, 

including patterns, equivalence, and graphing. 

ISBN: 0-941355-47-0 


Lessons for Algebraic Thinking, Grades 6–8 

by Ann Lawrence and Charlie Hennessy 

These lessons show how to maximize instruction that prepares 

students for formal algebra. Through a series of investigations 

that help students make connections between arithmetic and 

algebra, students build proficiency with key algebraic concepts— 

patterns, functions, and variables. They use multiple representations 

including models, drawings, tables, graphs, words, and 

symbols. Lessons include a technology component with 

suggestions for teaching with graphing calculators. 

ISBN: 0-941355-49-7 


Lessons for Algebraic Thinking, Grades 3–5 

by Maryann Wickett, Katharine Kharas, and Marilyn Burns 

The Marilyn Burns Fraction Kit ® , Grades 4–6 

The Marilyn Burns Fraction Kit is the single most effective manipulative 

material that Marilyn Burns uses for teaching fractions. The 

kit plays a prominent role in the three fraction books above. The kit 

contains The Fraction Kit Guide ® , Grades 4–6; 30 sets of 8 colored 

2-by-15-inch strips with student storage bags; 15 beginner and 15 

advanced fraction dice; and a teacher set of magnetic strips. 

COMPLETE FRACTION KIT 

Item No. 514440 Grades 4–6 $39.95 

REPLACEMENTS: 

30 sets of 8 colored strips Item No. 514444 $17.50 

15 beginner fraction dice (blue) Item No. 514442 $7.95 

15 advanced fraction dice (red) Item No. 514446 $7.95 

Teacher set of magnetic strips Item No. 514445 $9.75 

The lessons in this book build the foundation that prepares 

students for studying algebra in middle and high school. 

Incorporating manipulative materials, children’s books, and 

problem-solving investigations, lessons actively engage students 

in creating, recognizing, describing, and extending patterns, and 

representing patterns with words, tables, variables, and graphs. 

Lessons also introduce students to solving equations and 

plotting points. 

ISBN: 0-941355-48-9 


Save 15% 

Complete Lessons for Algebraic 

Thinking ® Series 



A“All of our math coaches use Math 

Solutions publications in their schools 

and appreciate the engaging and rigorous 

lessons.We chose Math Solutions lessons 

because they are written to allow teachers 

to peek inside a classroom to see lesson 

delivery, teacher questioning, and student 

responses—three essential components to 

effective mathematics communication.” 

Farryl Weitzman 

Principal 

Los Angeles Unified School District 

Los Angeles, California 


Probability, Geometry, and Money 

MATH BY ALL MEANS ® 

Communication in Math Class 

ORAL AND WRITTEN 

BOOKS 

Each of these six teaching units provides 

teachers with cohesive, classroom-tested 

lessons specially designed for five to six 

weeks of instruction. Problem-solving 

activities for each topic focus on children’s 

thinking and reasoning, incorporate 

manipulatives and children’s literature, 

and provide opportunities for students 

to communicate about the mathematics 

they are learning. 

Math By All Means: Probability, Grades 1–2 

by Bonnie Tank 

Through a variety of games and investigations using dice, cards, 

and spinners, students make predictions, collect data, and reflect 

on results. They also develop number sense and reinforce their 

computation skills. In the process, students learn what makes 

games fair or unfair and how to tell if they are based on strategy 

or chance. 

ISBN: 0-941355-15-2 


Math By All Means: Geometry, Grades 1–2 

by Chris Confer 

This unit helps teachers develop students’ understanding of the 

properties of shapes. Lessons incorporate children’s literature, 

explore quilt designs, and use manipulative materials to help 

students investigate how shapes are related to one another, 

including what happens when shapes are combined or divided. 

ISBN: 0-941355-08-X 


Math By All Means: Money, Grades 1–2 

by Jane Crawford 

The lessons in this unit give students lots of experience identifying 

coins and their values; counting money; and applying their 

learning to problem-solving situations. Extensive references to 

children’s literature along with engaging games and activities 

help strengthen children’s number sense and computation skills. 

ISBN: 0-941355-17-9 


Math By All Means: Probability, Grades 3–4 


Challenging games, experiments, and investigations provide the 

context for students to gather sample data, predict outcomes, and 

then test their predictions. Students soon discover that they can 

assess the likelihood of an event actually occurring. 

ISBN: 0-941355-12-8 


Math By All Means: Geometry, Grades 3–4 


The lessons in this book actively involve students in exploring 

geometric ideas through hands-on investigations with twoand 

three-dimensional shapes. Students also develop greater 

proficiency in logic, number, and measurement. 

ISBN: 0-941355-10-1 


Math By All Means: Area and Perimeter, 

Grades 5–6 


Hands-on investigations with regular and irregular shapes help 

students go beyond learning the traditional formulas for finding 

area and perimeter. Lessons use color tiles, string, rulers, and 

measuring tapes. 

ISBN: 0-941355-18-7 


These books provide strategies for using 

oral and written communication to support 

students’ learning. Each book offers experiences 

that challenge students to formulate 

and share their ideas while they develop 

mathematical understanding and skills. 

Classroom Discussions: Using Math Talk to Help 

Students Learn, Grades 1–6 

by Suzanne H. Chapin, Catherine O’Connor, and Nancy Canavan Anderson 

This exciting resource provides a unique look into the significant 

role of classroom discussions in mathematics teaching. Five 

discussion strategies are introduced to help teachers strengthen 

students’ thinking and learning and help them build connections 

among mathematical ideas. A valuable outline is provided to help 

teachers get started using talk in the classroom, plan lessons, and 

deal with challenges. 

ISBN: 0-941355-53-5 


Show and Tell: Representing and Communicating 

Mathematical Ideas in K–2 Classrooms 

by Linda Dacey and Rebeka Eston 

This useful and compelling book demonstrates how students in 

kindergarten through grade 2 deepen their mathematical ideas 

and understanding when they are encouraged to represent and 

communicate their thinking. Numerous classroom vignettes and 

reflective comments provide a model for how “show and tell” can 

enhance teaching and improve children’s learning. 

ISBN: 0-941355-50-0 


Writing in Math Class: A Resource for Grades 2–8 


Marilyn Burns conveys the role writing can play when incorporated 

into math lessons. Numerous examples illustrate how students 

sort, clarify, and define their thinking through different types of 

writing—journal writing, solving math problems, explaining 

mathematical ideas, and linking creative writing about math. 

This resource also includes assessment strategies, answers to 

frequently asked questions, and samples of student work. 

ISBN: 0-941355-13-6 


Good Questions for Math Teaching: 

Why Ask Them and What to Ask, K–6 

by Peter Sullivan and Pat Lilburn 

Open-ended questions, coined “good questions,” can prompt 

children to think creatively and critically. This useful book offers a 

wide variety of sample questions plus provides teachers with tips on 

how to create their own good questions. 

ISBN: 0-941355-51-9 



Why Ask Them and What to Ask, Grades 5–8 

by Lainie Schuster and Nancy Canavan Anderson 

Modeled after the K–6 book, this grades 5–8 title presents examples 

of good questions on mathematical topics that include number 

relationships; multiplication and proportional reasoning; fractions, 

decimals, and percents; geometry; algebraic thinking; data analysis 

and probablity; and measurement. 

ISBN: 0-941355-69-1 


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Complete Good Questions Series 




Helpful Resources for All K–2 

PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR CLASSROOM 

and 3–6 Teachers 

TEACHERS 

NEW! 

BOOKS 

Planning math instruction demands that teachers have an overall 

sense of the curriculum for the entire year, the focus for each 

month, and what specifically to teach day by day. 

First-Grade Math: A Month-to-Month Guide 

by Vicki Bachman 

Topics of study include addition and subtraction, geometry, sorting 

and counting, patterns and symmetry, measurement, and more. 

ISBN: 0-941355-54-3 


Second-Grade Math: A Month-to-Month Guide 

by Nancy Litton 

Topics of study include addition and subtraction, basic facts, place 

value, data collection, geometry, measurement, and more. 

ISBN: 0-941355-55-1 


Third-Grade Math: A Month-to-Month Guide 

by Suzy Ronfeldt 

Topics of study include addition and subtraction, multiplication and 

division, fractions, geometry, and more. 

ISBN: 0-941355-56-X 


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Complete Set of 3 Month-to-Month Guides 


Growing Mathematical 

Ideas in Kindergarten 

by Linda Schulman Dacey 

and Rebeka Eston 

This rich resource recognizes the special set 

of challenges that kindergarten teachers face. 

The book provides helpful guidelines for 

establishing a mathematically nurturing 

classroom environment. 

ISBN: 0-941355-22-5 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-56-8 Grade K 256 pages $23.50 

Teaching Number Sense, Kindergarten 


In these lessons, children investigate number relationships, 

practice problem solving using landmark numbers, and explore 

ways to count, compose, and decompose numbers. 

ISBN: 0-941355-58-6 

ISBN 13: 978-0-941355-58-2 Grade K 160 pages $19.50 

Teaching Number Sense, Grade 1 


In these lessons, children build their understanding of counting, 

number relationships, and landmark numbers. They also develop 

computation strategies, further their understanding of composing 

and decomposing numbers, and develop a beginning sense 

of place value. 

ISBN: 0-941355-59-4 


Teaching Number Sense, Grade 2 

by Susan Scharton 

In these lessons, children compose and decompose larger numbers, 

develop their computation strategies, strengthen their 

sense of place value, and sharpen their estimation skills. 

ISBN: 0-941355-60-8 


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Complete Teaching Number Sense Series 





These two new books present an innovative approach to reinforcing 

students’ math skills. The 27 engaging lessons in each book are 

easy to implement and take only 5 to 15 minutes to teach. 

Designed for use during transition times, the minilessons help students 

practice math concepts, skills, and processes. 

For a full description of the Minilessons for Math Practice series, 

please see page 24. 

Minilessons for Math Practice, Grades K–2 


ISBN: 0-941355-74-8 


Minilessons for Math Practice, Grades 3–5 


ISBN: 0-941355-75-6 


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Complete Minilessons for Math Practice Series 



Day-by-Day Math: Activities for Grades 3–6 

by Susan Ohanian 

Day-by-Day Math provides teachers and students with amazing 

statistics to ponder, puzzles to solve, and math magic to celebrate. 

Susan Ohanian has compiled a quirky collection of fascinating 

facts related to familiar and not-so-familiar historical events. Each 

event leads to a mathematical problem, investigation, or activity. 

ISBN: 0-941355-28-4 


Developing Number Sense, Grades 3–6 


Imaginative lessons give students practice with mental computation, 

basic operations, navigating the number system, and 

estimation. Content is crafted to show that number sense is not 

a specific skill, but encompasses a student’s ability to think and 

reason flexibly, make sound numerical judgments, and see 

numbers as useful. 

ISBN: 0-941355-23-3 


Learning Math with Calculators: Activities 

for Grades 3–8 

by Len Sparrow and Paul Swan 

Teachers interested in the whys and hows of incorporating calculators 

into math instruction will benefit enormously from this 

book. The first part addresses a broad range of questions and 

concerns raised by teachers. The second part consists of a collection 

of classroom-tested calculator activities that have been 

designed to develop children’s number sense and problemsolving 

ability. 

ISBN: 0-941355-35-7 


It All Adds Up! Engaging 8-to-12-Year-Olds 

in Math Investigations 

by Penny Skinner foreword by Marilyn Burns 

The practical, classroom-tested activities in this book are based 

on the principle that computation is best taught through problems 

and investigations that provide contexts for learning. Focusing 

on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in grades 3 

through 6, this collection of lessons presents teaching strategies 

for engaging students in purposeful application of skills. 

ISBN: 0-941355-24-1 


36 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 


Professional Development Library 

FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 

School principals have long used our resources to create classroom-based 

libraries. Now we are receiving requests from principals and math coaches for 

guidance on creating school-based “professional development libraries”— 

libraries that will engage teachers in thinking about their math instruction. 

Math Solutions Online 

WEB SITE AND NEWSLETTER SUPPORT 

Math Solutions Online is the most up-to-date source for information about 

all our sessions, courses, books, videotapes, and other resources.Administrators 

and teachers find our Web site easy to navigate and rich with content that 

supports professional development. 

RESOURCES 

About Teaching Mathematics: 

A K–8 Resource, Second Edition 

Math Matters: Understanding the 

Math You Teach, Grades K–8, Second Edition 


Why Ask Them and What to Ask, K–6 

Classroom Discussions: Using Math 

Talk to Help Students Learn, Grades 1–6 

Visit us on the Web at 

www.mathsolutions.com 

Course schedules 

Quarterly online newsletter 

Free classroom lessons 

District partnership reports 

Book reviews 

Exerpts from books 

Online bookstore 

Articles by Marilyn Burns 

Radio interviews with Marilyn Burns 

Plus answers to your questions, funding 

opportunities, and links to background material. 

NEW! 

Getting Your Math Message Out to Parents: 

A K–6 Resource 



These eight resources create an ideal starter set for a school professional development math library. Essential to 

all professional development in mathematics is the idea that making sense of mathematics is key to learning. Each 

resource in this library is aimed at helping teachers improve their teaching of mathematics, addresses important mathematical 

ideas basic to the curriculum, provides opportunities to address how children learn mathematics, and makes 

clear connections to classroom instruction. 

P“Powerful instruction involves high-quality 

questioning to make student learning public 

and to inform teachers’ decision making.As 

math educators strive to better understand 

student thinking and support diverse paths to 

solutions, good questions inform this work.” 

Bill Nutting 

Staff Development Director 

Mount Vernon,Washington 

© 2004 MBEA 

38 CALL US AT (800) 868 9092 

Math: Facing an American Phobia 

Mathematics: What Are You Teaching 

My Child? A Videotape for Parents 

Save 15% 

Professional Development Library 

Set of 8 resources 


Free Free Online Online Newsletter Newsletter 

Our quarterly online newsletter features 

new classroom lessons, the latest book 

reviews, answers to teachers’ questions, 

and more. 

M“Math Solutions...the title speaks for itself! I love the 

fact that the lessons on the Web site are not simply 

paper-and-pencil lessons.They have the students thinking, 

moving, and manipulating! Students are engaged 

and interested.The lessons are easily accessible and easy 

to understand. In addition, I have purchased several of 

the books from the Math Solutions Web site.They have 

helped me become a better math teacher.Thank you.” 

Anna Roman 


Desert Sage Elementary School 

Pueblo, Colorado

About Us - Math Solutions

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