Schedule
Use our interactive conference schedule below.
If you click the ⭐ option beside a session, it will remember for the next time you return to this page on the same device.
- Mon, April 7th
- Tue, April 8th
Mon, April 7th
[8:30-9:15] Pre-Conference Registration
Register and get your name tag in the concourse area before your pre-conference workshop.
[9:15-12:00] Pre-Conference Workshops
Note: You must have a ticket that includes the Pre-Conference Workshops to attend.
Using Math Games to Affirm and Develop Student Brilliance
Jenna LaibMichelangelo AB
Playing games in math class can be more than just “fun”! Games provide opportunities to enhance access to content, delve deep into mathematical ideas and strategies, and affirm students’ mathematical identities. This session will explore several adaptable “low prep, high leverage” games that work across many grade levels, K-8 and beyond. We will discuss characteristics of high leverage games, and how our facilitation moves can support equitable teaching practices.
Arguing in Math Class
Chris LuzniakMichelangelo C
What if our students were not focused solely on finding the correct answer? What if they felt motivated to discuss and explain math topics? If we want students to deeply understand topics, they need to communicate their thinking, construct arguments, and listen and respond to others. We have to create a classroom where discussion and debate is the norm. So how do we do that? How do we help students develop their voice in the math classroom? Come dive into DebateMath with us and find out!
BTC Meets Manipulatives: How Concrete Experiences Elevate Thinking
Maegan GirouxDa Vinci
This session explores the powerful role manipulatives can play in supporting Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC). Participants will explore and discuss strategies for incorporating manipulatives into BTC math tasks in ways that deepen both conceptual understanding and student engagement. Teachers will discover how manipulatives can bridge the gap between concrete experiences and abstract strategies, while also challenging students’ mathematical thinking. Through this session, participants will gain practical insights into embedding manipulatives across grade levels to foster a more dynamic and meaningful math learning experience.
[12:00-1:00] Conference Registration & Pre-Conference Lunch
If you attended the pre-conference, lunch is provided.
If you are only attending the conference, please check in at the registration table to get your nametag.
[1:15-2:15] Featured Speaker: Chris Luzniak
Argue Like It Matters
Chris LuzniakMichelangelo AB
The world is increasingly divided, with misinformation shaping public discourse and decision-making. So, what role can math teachers play in this climate? Rather than simply teaching procedures, imagine transforming math class into a space where students are empowered to engage in civil discourse and understand diverse perspectives. Mathematics isn’t just about numbers—it’s about constructing compelling arguments and critical thinking. But how can we effectively teach students to build and defend arguments? Let’s explore how fostering debate in math class can cultivate stronger mathematicians and more informed, empathetic global citizens.
[2:30-3:45] Concurrent Sessions 1
Dice Auction: Real Time Probability in an Award-Winning Lesson
Kirsten Dyck, Lana SteinerMichelangelo AB
Dice Auction: Putting Outcomes of the Dice Up for Sale by Saskatchewan's own Nat Banting was the 2019 Rosenthal Prize Winning Task for Innovation and Inspiration in Math Teaching. Join Kirsten and Lana as they take you through a mathematical auction like you’ve never experienced. Walk away with the tools you need to implement this task in your own classroom as path towards teaching probability concepts with purpose and joy.
Spice Up your Math Instruction with Fun and Engaging Formative Assessment Routines
Cindy SmithMichelangelo C
In alignment with the Ministry's Document, Supporting Student Assessment in Saskatchewan, we will explore how using formative assessment can not only provide feedback for the teacher, but give students an opportunity to assess their own understanding, as well as provide oppotunities for reflection, movement, collaboration and communication. Based on the book Mathematics Formative Assessment: 75 Practical Strategies for Linking Assessment, Instruction, and Learning by Keeley and Tobey.
Teaching Decimals Using Fraction Models
Garry DavisDa Vinci
Often decimals are introduced using place value. In this session the presenter we share how to use fraction models to introduce decimals, Using this model we will explore equivalent decimals, comparing decimals as well as adding and subtracting decimals.
Let's Explore MathUP Classroom
Jillian AndrychukVenice
Are you curious about what MathUP has to offer you and your students? Have you checked it out but felt overwhelmed about getting started?
Join us for this practical session to find out how to plan engaging, high-quality math lessons with MathUP. In this session, you’ll learn how to: implement a three-part lesson framework, share and modify activities and tasks, assess student learning, and access professional learning topics and instructional videos to further your own professional learning.
Math History: Utilizing Historical Contexts to Support Student Engagement and Comprehension
Noam LoyolaFlorence
In this session we will discuss the importance of math history through story telling, lesson implementation, and imparting the non-linear and collaborative progression of mathematical knowledge to students. Time will be taken to dive into the studies already done on including math history in the classroom, learn some math history(fun!), and brainstorm lesson ideas that pertain to each teacher's grade levels.
Spiralling the Curriculum
Jenny LeakeNaples
Spiralling the curriculum involves teaching an outcome a bit at a time and circling back to concepts repeatedly, going deeper each time, rather than teaching units in blocks. It is based on brain research about memory and how practicing retrieving information from memory, spaced out practice, and interleaving different concepts can aid in long term memory formation and improved retention over time. I will explain how I spiral all of my own math classes, and a bit about how other people do theirs
[7:00-8:00] Featured Speaker: Nat Banting
In Search of the Basics of Mathematics Teaching and Learning
Nat BantingMichelangelo AB
Recently, some policy makers and stakeholders have taken up the habit of demanding that math
education go back to the basics, and I’d like to suggest that we wholeheartedly embrace this
advice. Unfortunately, this is as far as the advice goes, and we (as teachers and leaders) are left
to interrogate what these basics are. In this session, I propose a “basic” for mathematics learning,
and together we will explore how this basic can live in a mathematics classroom, and how we (as
teachers and leaders) can initiate and accentuate these actions.
[8:00-9:00] Math Friends + Appetizers + Fun Times
Following the keynote, appetizers will be served and the cash/card bar will reopen.
Tue, April 8th
[9:00-9:15] Welcome to Day 2!
Join us in Michelangelo AB as we kick off the second day of the conference!
[9:15-10:15] Featured Speaker: Jenna Laib
Developing and Nurturing Data Literacy: Using Slow Reveal Graphs to Empower K-12 Students
Jenna LaibMichelangelo AB
Graphs are everywhere! How can we prepare students to navigate our world’s vast data landscape? Let’s explore what it means to be data literate, and how a discourse-driven instructional routine called Slow Reveal Graphs helps students make sense of data visualizations. As more and more of the graph is revealed, students refine their interpretation and construct meaning, often in surprising ways. This routine increases access for students without sacrificing mathematical rigor or engagement.
[10:30-11:45] Concurrent Sessions 2
Beyond Basic Facts
Lisa EberharterMichelangelo AB
This session will use polypad/desmos to highlight how at all different levels, students can be engaged with conceptual understanding questions even if they are still working on mastering basic computations. A specific focus on how concrete and pictorial representations can be used in questions across all Grade levels.
High School Math and STEM Future-casting; you're definitely going to use this again!
Dr. Sandy Marie Bonny, Kevin SawatzkyMichelangelo C
USask's Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways STEM Access Initiatives team, Math Proctor Kevin Sawtazky (BEd) and Team Lead Sandy Bonny (PhD), share insight from a decade of experience teaching and coaching students with diverse K-12 math preparation. Alongside applied skills development and digital literacy, productive persistence, appreciation for mathematical reasoning, and culturally-informed future-casting emerge as foundational assets for student persistence and success.
Re-Thinking Formative Assessment
Kyle WebbDa Vinci
For a long time, we have thought of effective assessment as being timely and specific. But what do we really mean by this, and is this type of assessment truly effective? We will interrogate these views for both effectiveness and feasibility and explore a different perspective on effective feedback and assessment, rooted in Building Thinking Classrooms. This approach will allow us to construct a deeper understanding of assessment that supports deep thinking and student autonomy.
Ideas for Teaching 2 Difficult Concepts in Grade 7
Garry DavisVenice
The presenter will share an approach for teaching two of the more difficult ideas in Grade 7. Firstly we will look at subtracting integers concretely using zero pairs and the meaning of subtracting. Secondly we will look at the concept of a variable in relation to N7.2 which has students explore the difference between expressions and equations.
Transformations and Locomotion
Michelle Dueck, Misty WenselFlorence
Dance your way through Math. Participants will discover how movement based activities can reinforce key numeracy skills. Through interactive activities, educators will learn how to use dance to model transformations, translations, rotations and reflections and explore symmetry and spatial reasoning in creative and meaningful ways.
Light it up!
Sarah ThompsonNaples
In this session, participants will learn how to guide students in designing and building a file folder circuit game and tester. Participants will explore how mathematical skills—such as measurement, problem-solving, and basic calculations—are essential in constructing functional circuits. This session will provide demonstrate how STEM activities like circuit building can reinforce curriculum outcomes and foster critical thinking.
[11:45-12:45] Lunch & AGM
SMTS AGM
SMTSMichelangelo AB
Learn more about the operations of the Saskatchewan Mathematics Teachers' Society.
Lunch
SMTSConcourse
[12:45-1:45] Featured Speaker: Maegan Giroux
The Triumphs and Tribulations of BTC [Panel]
Maegan GirouxMichelangelo AB
This session will explore the implementation of Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) through the diverse experiences of Saskatchewan educators, led by Maegan Giroux. Panelists with a range of experiences across K-12 will discuss the significant successes, including more positive student attitudes towards mathematics and increased learning outcomes, alongside the common challenges encountered during this pedagogical shift and how they are making BTC work in their unique classrooms. The panel will offer practical strategies, increased confidence in addressing hurdles, and inspiration to foster richer mathematical thinking in their students through their shared insights and real-world examples.
[2:00-03:15] Concurrent Sessions 3
Holistic Assessment in a Student Centered Classroom
Marshall Morgan, Brand Yarnton, Hailey McCrystalMichelangelo AB
So you've made some changes to your math practice. Now, how do we approach holistic assessment in a student centered math classroom? What does triangulating data look like? How do we set this up on EDSBY? We'll share some practical approaches, anecdotes and examples that have been successful in our middle school classrooms.
Game On! Strengthening Math Facts and Number Sense
Claire McTavishMichelangelo C
Fact fluency is more than memorization—it requires a strong foundation in number sense. This session explores effective strategies to help students develop fluency through engaging, purposeful games and activities. Learn how to incorporate explicit strategy instruction, formative assessments, and differentiated practice to support all learners. Walk away with practical, ready-to-use ideas that enhance math instruction and deepen students’ understanding.
Fluency with Addition through Visuals, Strategies, and Experiences
Denyne Fontaine, Janelle DaveyDa Vinci
Do your students struggle with simple single-digit addition? Do you find your students counting on their fingers to find the answer? Come to this session to learn how to develop your students' fluency through visuals, strategies, and experiences. Learn about the number relationships behind addition, and leave with ideas to try in your classroom tomorrow!
A Look Towards the Financial Future of School Mathematics
Daniel Krause, Egan ChernoffVenice
As we all know, financial literacy/numeracy is making its way into the SK curriculum in the near future. As we also know, some math of financial decision making was/is a core part of math courses, for example, WPA 10/20/30, and Foundations 30. The purpose of this session is to highlight discrepancies we have found between how financial calculations (eg, interest) are performed in school and in society. The larger purpose, we hope, is to help prepare math teachers for their new financial future.
Outdoor Adventures in Math
Leah JappFlorence
Join us for an interactive session that takes math outdoors! Explore how mathematical concepts come to life in the natural world. Session will include basic preparation and tips & tricks for taking student outdoors. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, making connections between mathematical principles and the natural environment!
