Celebrating 50 Years of
Mathematical Sensemaking
Join The Math Learning Center at NCSM & NCTM
NCSM: October 26-28, 2026
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Denver, CO
NCTM: October 28–31, 2026
Colorado Convention Center
Denver, CO
Enjoy games, snacks, and photo ops with the Mathemachicken!
NCSM Birthday Bash
Tuesday 10/27, 1:30-3:30 pm
at MLC Booth #311
NCTM Birthday Bash
Friday 10/30, 12:00-2:00 pm
at MLC Booth #931
Don’t miss MLC’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations!
Stop by the MLC booth anytime for a free anniversary gift!
Discover MLC’s newest resources:
Math MultiApp by MLC and Bridges Early Childhood
Connect with expert educators from the MLC team
Explore longtime HQIM favorites:
Bridges in Mathematics, Bridges Intervention, and more
Energizing Math Intervention: Hands-On Strategies That Build Numeracy, Fluency, and Thinking
Rosalyn Miller, Curriculum Consultant
NCSM
Monday, October 26
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Plaza Court 3
NCTM
Friday, October 30
4:00–5:00 PM
Room 103
All students can make sense of mathematics when given the right support. This interactive session explores how the combination of math games, visual models, and problem-solving can transform targeted intervention and small-group instruction. Experience hands-on strategies that build numeracy, deepen fluency, and elevate every learner’s mathematical success.
Fluency: What It Isn’t, What It Is, and Four Ways to Cultivate it in Elementary Math Classrooms
Mike Wallus, VP of Education Support
Kristin Frang, Director of Instructional Programs
at Integrow Numeracy Solutions
Discussions about fluency often pose a false dichotomy: speed vs. understanding. This session moves beyond either/or towards a vision of fluency that encompasses efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility in mathematical thinking, with automaticity as a natural byproduct. Explore classroom strategies that develop fluent, flexible problem-solvers.
NCSM
Monday, October 26
1:30–2:30 PM
Plaza Court 3
Physical versus Digital Manipulatives in K-5 Mathematics: Choosing the Right Tool for the Moment
Patrick Vennebush, Chief Learning Officer
Natalie Crist, Director of Content Development
NCSM
Tuesday, October 27
9:00–10:00 AM
Plaza Court 3
NCTM
Thursday, October 29
4:00–5:00 PM
Room 102
Blocks on the floor or screens in every hand? When it comes to digital vs. physical manipulatives, what does the research actually say? In this hands-on session, we’ll dive into the evidence and explore how the right balance can deepen understanding for all learners. Bring a tablet or laptop and get ready to explore the new Math MultiApp!
Language Routines That Honor Identity & Build Mathematical Understanding
Natalie Crist, Director of Content Development
Shelly Scheafer, Sr. Manager of Content Development
Affirming multilingual learners’ identities is essential to math equity. This session explores how predictable routines, language goals, and sentence frames scaffold both content and language in PK-5 classrooms. Leave with practical strategies that honor home languages, foster agency, and amplify the brilliance of multilingual mathematicians.
NCSM
Tuesday, October 27
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Plaza Court 3
NCTM
Thursday, October 29
8:00–9:00 AM
Room 102
Planning for Sensemaking: Identifying Critical Moments in Math Lessons
Mike Wallus, VP of Education Support
Corey Drake, Director of Professional Learning
NCTM
Friday, October 30
8:00–9:00 AM
Room 105
What makes a math lesson truly effective? Explore a practical protocol that helps educators unpack learning goals, anticipate student thinking, and identify the critical moments where sensemaking happens. Walk away with actionable strategies to plan instruction that deepens understanding and positions every student as a mathematical sensemaker.
Bridges in Mathematics
Inquiry-based and student-centered, Bridges focuses on developing mathematical reasoning while creating an inclusive and equitable learning community for all students.
Building Mathematical Sensemakers
Bring hands-on math learning to life all year long with free apps, family activities, and lessons.
Request More Information
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Math MultiApp, our free workspace based on the visual models from Bridges in Mathematics, works with any curriculum.
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A Math Learning Center podcast
Welcome to “Rounding Up” with the Math Learning Center. These conversations focus on topics that are important to Bridges teachers, administrators and anyone interested in Bridges in Mathematics. Hosted by Mike Wallus, VP of Educator Support at MLC.
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Gain free access to the content of our elementary curriculum materials, Bridges in Mathematics, for use in university settings.
https://www.mathlearningcenter.org/educators/university-relations
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Organized by grade and mathematical content, students, families, and teachers can use these activities in a variety of settings.
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Bring hands-on learning and visual models to any mathematics classroom with our extensive collection of free curricular materials.
https://www.mathlearningcenter.org/educators/free-resources/lessons-publications