Powerful tools for mathematics instruction can make a good lesson great. Math Tools in Action, an exciting new video series, explores Anchor Charts, Journals, and Manipulatives, three of the most effective tools for helping students understand the Common Core Standards while encouraging them to become critical thinkers. During the past two decades, Chris Confer and Marco Ramirez have worked to deepen and improve math instruction at schools around the country. Now you can watch as they teach and comment on a complete lesson using each of these essential math tools-tools that will help you deepen and improve your own math instruction. Anchor Charts describe the essence of a lesson; they help focus teachers on and remind students of the most important features of the concepts and skills they are currently learning. Anchor charts not only compel teachers to be clear about their instruction, they also improve student comprehension. Watch as Marco leads a fifth-grade class through a lesson on building and decomposing an array, frequently referring to and updating the anchor chart.