Forever Our Angels...
Wonderment... Excitement... Innocence... Lost. This is not a typical blog post you see on this site. But today is not a typical day. Tears keep flowing and I'm not sure how to make them stop. This one has hit me hard. I've worked in hundreds of schools and with thousands of educators across this country. As I travel to different locations I often get asked by strangers what I do. Unfortunately, I have been known to give the response, "I'm just...
Read More
Fraction Flowers
Congratulations!!! You've hopefully made it through your state testing. You have your benchmark testing either done or coming up real soon. Your students are squirrely and you need something engaging, but still learning. You could also be looking for something to create with your students to hang in the hallway to decorate for spring. Fraction flowers is the answer for you and your class. 2022 Fraction Flower bulletin board. I like how you...
Read More
Mathematicians LOVE Hot Cocoa
Who doesn't love a good mug of hot chocolate in the cold winter months? I'm always trying to tie in real-world experiences into my math lessons and what's better than combining math and hot chocolate? Do you have that one bulletin board in your building that everyone struggles with an idea about what should go on it? Does your principal randomly assign grade levels and/or teachers to make sure it gets decorated each month? Sometimes it can be a...
Read MoreA Decimal A Day
The old saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." We've taken that old adage and put our own mathematical spin on it. Here at Making Math Make Sense, we are huge advocates of Daily Number Sense Routines. Kristin and I started doing the penny-a-day activity many years ago with our students. Over time, we have revamped the activity to make it fit a variety of needs. Since we have shared this with teachers, we often hear how quickly...
Read MoreMath Picture Puzzles
How is math learning showcased in your building? Does each teacher put up their own displays? Do you have building-wide displays for visitors to view? Kristin and I love walking into buildings where you can see the learning taking place before you ever enter the classroom. Over the years I have worked hard to improve what I put up in the hall outside my room, but I'm always looking for ways to get the rest of the building involved. This year I...
Read More