Imagine being able to establish a foundation for problem solving in 1st grade upon which a student can build for the rest of their elementary school years.
Imagine the confidence of a 5th grade student who has used the same vocabulary and strategies for problem solving since 1st grade.
Math Mights are a way to tie math strategies to characters that will help students understand math processes differently than just solving problems one way. This series promotes students’ communicated reasoning so they are able to confidently explain their thinking. It also provides a common language in schools so students can learn about the characters and the strategies in first grade, and then apply same strategies to higher level concepts as they grow.
Meet the Mathville Gang
Math Mights are a cast of characters that represent different, universal, problem solving strategies. Click the links below to learn more about each one!
D.C.
Decomposing/Composing
D.C. has a hard hat and a big mallet. He loves to break numbers apart and put them back together.
Abracus
Compensation
This magician performs tricks with his magic wand and compensation to make problems easier to solve!
Value Pak
Partial Sums
This family of numbers clicks apart to show their own value, but together, they show their total value.
T-Pops
Traditional Method
T-Pops represents the traditional method of solving problems (the way our parents learned it).
Springling
Counting Up/Back on Number Line
Springling loves to feel the wind in her fluffy fur as she hops, counting up and back on the open number line.
Minni and Subbi
Compensation
Joined at the tail, twins Minni and Subbi like to keep their distance as they shift the numberline.
Professor Barble
Word Problems with Visual Models
Professor Barble is an out-doorsy fellow, who loves to find problems in the real world! His step-by-step approach to creating a visual model helps him stop and think about what the problem is actually asking so he can solve with confidence!
Dotson
The Subitizing Superhero
Dotson, a Jr. Math Might, is able to instantly recognize quantities without counting! Subitizing is an essential early numeracy skill, and Dotson loves helping kids develop it with his Deck o’ Dots!
Math Mights Products
8-in-1 Flip Chart Posters
Available for both addition and subtraction strategies, the Math Mights strategy posters feature eight posters in one, bound into a tabbed flip chart. Each tab of the poster features a different character describing how to solve the problems in their unique way.
One side of the poster features beginning strategies with appropriate examples using easily accessible numbers. As students start to grasp the beginning strategies, flip the poster around to reveal more advanced strategies involving more advanced examples (such as fractions or decimals).
The physical strategy poster also has a digital companion which includes extra practice for students using the Math Mights strategies, as well as strategy cards that can be used to help students remember the strategies while they’re solving problems.
Strategy Video Tutorials
Watch the Math Mights in action in these video tutorials that can be used to help parents, students, and teachers in applying problem solving strategies.
Access to the full playlist of tutorials is included with purchase of Math Mights Posters.
Dice and Pencil Toppers
A perfect companion to the Math Mights Stratey Posters, you can bring your favorite Math Mights to life with these dice and pencil toppers!
These fun, colorful, open-ended manipulatives provide endless opportunities for practicing with characters and strategies, while increasing student engagement!