The NCTM Connection

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The NCTM Connection

Notes and resources from Minnesota’s NCTM Representative – Becky Rahm

Welcome to November! Even during our busiest months, we’re part of a bigger community of math educators learning and growing together.

A resource to check out: NCTM Illuminations

Looking for ways to bring mathematics to life in your classroom? Check out NCTM Illuminations, a collection of interactive activities and resources for teaching mathematics. Consider exploring the recommended activities for your grade band and finding one to try with your students!

You might also want to explore NCTM’s Best of 2026 collection for the top 5 Illuminations accessed so far this year.

A quick tip for November: 

How often do we tell students to “show your work,” only to hear, “But I can do it in my head!”? What if we shifted our language and asked students to show their thinking instead?

Our MCTM shirt says it perfectly: “Do math, not magic—show your thinking!” Encourage students to explain why their strategy works, use a model to support their reasoning, or compare their approach with a classmate’s. When students explain their thinking, we gain valuable insight into their understanding while helping them develop the mathematical reasoning and communication skills emphasized in both NCTM’s Principles to Actions and Minnesota’s Standards for Mathematical Practice.

Connect with Minnesota teachers: 

Have you checked out the MCTM YouTube channel? The Benchmark of the Week videos offer a great way to explore mathematical ideas for the new 2022 MN Math Standards and connect with other Minnesota educators. Watch a video, join the conversation in the comments, and share a favorite with a colleague!

Your action step for November: Find one Benchmark of the Week video, watch it, and share it with another math educator. One small connection can spark a great mathematical conversation!

Keep making connections,

Becky Rahm – NCTM Rep for Minnesota