We know teaching multiplication is one of the most important parts of third grade math. The understanding of multiplication sets the stage for almost all other math concepts, and it is critical that students develop a deep and authentic understanding of multiplication. One easy mistake to make is to rush right in to teaching multiplication […]
Teaching Multiplication Read More »
You’ll never see me pretend to be the perfect teacher or to act as if I have it all figured out. Typically, anyone who alludes to those claims isn’t actually teaching! You also won’t see me assert that there is only one right way to teach. I can’t pretend to know the needs of every
5 Mistakes I Made Teaching Math Read More »
You can increase math engagement! I still remember ever so lightly writing “I hate math” on my math textbook. In pencil. Naturally, I immediately erased it, but the feeling didn’t change. I wasn’t bad at math. But, it was boring and pointless to me. In fact, when I started teaching, math was my least favorite
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There are so many great options for using digital math manipulatives. However, once school started I quickly realized that while I had access to great digital manipulatives, I wasn’t quite sure how I wanted to use them. We all know the importance of using math manipulatives in the classroom, but there is a difference (other
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It’s no secret that addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division word problems present a considerable challenge to students. Students often rush through word problems and immediately try to find an answer, rather than thinking about the meaning of the problem. Students see a word problem and want to immediately grab the numbers and do something with
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These number sense activities are a blast for students! Most upper elementary teachers notice a lack of number sense in their students, and that lack of number sense makes high levels of math extremely difficult for children. We’ve all seen the blank stares when students are not able to grasp or connect to the concept
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Strategies for multiplication are so important for students. As a math teacher, multiplication facts have always been a source of concern. We know that a deep understanding of multiplication is essential for students, but there is also need for students to have at least a moderate (ideally more) memorization of multiplication facts, as well as
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The first few days of school are crucial for developing the classroom routines and procedures that will guide the class for the rest of the school year. This is especially true for your math instruction. The very first day or two of school, I focus on general classroom routines and procedures and move into content
Classroom Routines and Procedures for Math Read More »
When I first started teaching I needed (wanted) all the math manipulatives. My mission in life was to have as many manipulatives as possible. Because more = better. Right? Not really. I found myself going back to the same math manipulatives over and over again, while the others that I worked so hard to obtain collected
Math Manipulatives for Upper Elementary Read More »
When you teach upper elementary math, teaching addition and subtraction can be….awkward. Generally speaking, your students already understand the concept. Whether you want them to or not, they know and use the standard algorithm. Of course, there are some students who have not yet mastered the algorithm, and those students need small group instruction. But
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