Powerful tools for mathematics instruction can make a good lesson great. Math Tools in Action, an exciting new video series, explores Anchor Charts, Journals, and Manipulatives, three of the most effective tools for helping teachers implement the Common Core Standards while encouraging students to become critical mathematical thinkers.

Anchor Charts describe the essence of a lesson; they help focus teachers on and remind students of the most important features of the concepts and skills they are currently learning. Anchor charts not only compel teachers to be clear about their instruction, they also improve student comprehension. Watch as Marco leads a fifth-grade class through a lesson on building and decomposing an array, frequently referring to and updating various anchor charts.

Simple and accessible, Journals bring the mathematical practices to life in the classroom on a daily basis. Math journals invite students to relate their own ideas, experiences, and prior knowledge to the learning at hand while encouraging them to clarify their thoughts and to use challenging and precise math vocabulary. Watch Chris and fourth-grade students investigate a mathematical argument as they defend, revise and reject conjectures using math journals.

Manipulatives make mathematics visible; they allow students to see math. Manipulatives also enrich mathematics discussions and make learning accessible and understandable for students at all levels. In this video, Chris and a third-grade class learn about comparative size by exploring the dimensions of a variety of insects, animals, and birds using tape measures, linking cubes, and number charts.