Ep 72 - Nolan Fossum is rethinking instruction through cartoon math
Nolan Fossum invites us into the learner’s seat by experiencing math in an unfamiliar way. Using a “cartoon base-10” system, he creates moments of productive struggle that mirror what many students feel when they don’t yet have fluency.
In this episode, Nolan explores how counting, deriving, and reasoning through models like ten frames, number lines, and base-10 blocks can build deep understanding. Rather than relying on memorized facts, he highlights how students can develop flexible strategies by connecting ideas and using what they know.
You’ll hear how this experience shifts perspective…
The skinny
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