When Helping Hurts: Navigating Productive Struggle in Small Group Math Instruction

As educators, we want to support students—but when does help become “saving”? This interactive session invites elementary educators to experience a problem-based task that highlights the difference between productive and unproductive struggle. Participants will analyze how instructional choices, including “just-in-case” versus “just-in-time” scaffolding, impact student thinking and engagement. The session concludes with an observation of small group instruction, focusing on teacher moves that foster mathematical understanding while intentionally developing the Standards for Mathematical Practice.