Daily Routines to Jump-Start Problem Solving, Grades K-8

I have been using resources from John J. SanGiovanni since 2018! His strategies have helped propel
thinking and student engagement in my classroom as well as classrooms across my district. His
activities and routines have increased students’ enjoyment of mathematics concepts, which has led to
higher scores across the district.

Teachers often say, “My students can solve math equations, but not word problems.” With SanGiovanni’s
Daily Routines to Jump-Start Problem Solving, teachers can ensure students develop the confidence
to solve word problems without using hazardous tricks and gimmicks. Students will be encouraged
to think about the mathematics behind the problem. The ideas in this book should be part of every
mathematics class.

Instead of “cookbook” problem-solving prompts, SanGiovanni provides teachers with step-by-step guidance
on implementing problem solving through the use of classroom-ready instructional routines that allow
students to engage in rich problem-solving experiences and promote reasoning. Additionally, this book
encourages productive discourse, facilitates “just in time” scaffolds, and supports existing high-quality
curriculum materials.

The routines in this book are easy to follow and help set the stage to spark student engagement and
discourse in any math class. As a math coach, I am always looking for ways to support teachers in helping
students to be better thinkers and to reason with math, and these quick bursts of quality practice are an
amazing resource. The graphic organizers provided to support the routines help ensure all students have an
entry point to problem solving.

Daily Routines to Jump-Start for Problem Solving offers a plethora of problem-solving routines to promote
reasoning and critical thinking skills. A resource for administrators, instructional coaches, and math teachers,
each protocol has a “Something to Think About” section, images and examples that encourage productive
discussions, and variations of each routine to meet all students’ needs.

Daily Routines to Jump-Start Problem Solving is truly a game changer for K–8 educators. Every problemsolving
situation embodies critical thinking and comprehension, thus building student self-efficacy.
SanGiovanni provides practical tools and support to breathe new life into math language routines,
promoting equitable problem solving for all students. Routines showcased in this book allow students to
take the driver’s seat as they engage in real-world problem solving.

As math educators and leaders, we have all been waiting for a book like this to aid in facilitating rich
discussions centered on problem-solving, all in the first few minutes of daily instruction! SanGiovanni
provides 20 research-based strategies to help students become problem-posers and problem-solvers while
building their confidence, agency, and identity. This book is truly a gift to the math education community.

SanGiovanni shares a creative collection of quick, high-quality practice opportunities that will help
students sharpen their problem-solving skills. Teachers have been longing for purposeful activities like
these to engage their students in thinking and sense-making as they strive to develop confident problem
solvers in mathematics. This book will become one of teachers’ best-loved instructional resources!

Daily Routines to Jump-Start Problem Solving should be on every elementary mathematics teacher’s
desk! These routines include practical approaches that will support all students in developing problem solving
strategies and skills. There is also substantial background information for teachers to deepen
their own pedagogical understanding of how to further student success in approaching and solving
problems.

SanGiovanni does an excellent job empowering teachers to bridge the gap between some of their favorite
math routines and problem solving. He provides a roadmap that will walk alongside teachers as they
look to engage students and improve thinking beyond the first 15 minutes of math class.