Math Stations... Making Them Work for Your Classroom
Many elementary teachers have reading groups already established in their classrooms, but the idea of math groups seems foreign to many. Reading groups is a teaching strategy that has been around for a long time. The idea behind reading groups is, as I understand it, is homogeneous groups that rotate between 4-5 stations. The idea with reading groups is that they're leveled so the teacher can work at the various reading levels in which the ...
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Fractions... Fact vs Fiction
Fact: Fractions is a topic that is controversial with people when it comes to math. Fiction: Fractions are scary! Fact: You CAN teach fractions with meaning. Fiction: If I have to draw a picture of the fraction, that means I'm not good at math. Fact: Making fractions conceptual, using manipulatives, and changing how we (the teachers) talk about fractions can have a HUGE IMPACT on student understanding in our fraction standards. When I first ...
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Math Game Binder
If you're like me and like organization, this post is for you! It's no secret WE LOVE MATH GAMES!!! I use math games as a form of practice for students. I'm not 100% against worksheets. There's a time and place for them for sure, but if students aren't engaged in their learning, you (as the teacher) won't see what your students really can do. Playing math games raises engagement and enjoyment in mathematics, which in turn raises ...
Read MoreWhat is a mathematician?
For me this is a simple question. For students, this is quite tricky. What is a mathematician? At the start of every school year, for the past 8 or so years, I have given this question to each of my classes within, the first few days of the school year. The assignment is two-fold. I want to know what they think of math. Who does math? What does a mathematician look like? How does a mathematician think? Their ELA teacher and I gain an ...
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Classroom Decor... or Lack Thereof
Friends, it's the time of year where we are either just starting to think about our classrooms for the upcoming year or we are in the thick of it. If this were an Instagram post I'd put a poll here asking "Do you just LOVE to set up your classroom each year or would you like to walk into a room done for you on your first day back?" Can I take a moment or two to be honest? I used to absolutely LOVE to go in and decorate my classroom every ...
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