Developing Mathematical Reasoning

The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades K-2

Math is not rote-memorizable. Math is not random-guessable. Math is figure-out-able.

Author Pam Harris argues that teaching real math—math that is free of distortions—will reach more students more effectively and result in deeper understanding and longer retention. This book is about teaching undistorted math using the kinds of mental reasoning that mathematicians do.

Memorization tricks and algorithms meant to make math “easier” are full of traps that sacrifice long-term student growth for short-lived gains. Students and teachers alike have been led to believe that they’ve learned more and more math, but in reality their brains never get any stronger. Using these tricks may make facts easier to memorize in isolation, but that very disconnect distorts the reality of math.

In her landmark book Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms, Pam emphasizes the importance of teaching students increasingly sophisticated mathematical reasoning and understanding underlying concepts rather than relying on a set rule for solving problems. Now, in this first companion volume, Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades K-2, she demonstrates how counting and additive strategies serve as the foundation for creating efficient, accurate, and flexible thinkers.

Everyone is capable of understanding and doing real math. This book:

• Gives step-by-step guidance on how to teach the strategies, models, and big ideas that foster confidence and long-term success, preparing students for increasingly complex mathematical challenges
• Offers the “what to do” to teach counting, addition, and subtraction in ways that promote reasoning over rote memorization
• Provides practical tools such as problem strings, models, classroom routines, and discussion questions designed to implement reasoning-based practices
• Includes supporting resources for creating a classroom culture where students see math as figure-out-able and gain confidence as mathematical thinkers

By addressing common misconceptions about math and providing practical strategies for teaching real math, this book shows that everyone can use the mathematical relationships they already know to reason about new relationships. In other words, everyone can math-even the very youngest students!