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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The Candy Corn Contest
Looking for a great themed activity for this week before Thanksgiving Break? Whether you are in-person, online, or doing a hybrid this is the activity for you! I am here to share with you, The Candy Corn Contest. It's simple... a whole bunch of candy corn in a jar and the students guess how many are in there. You give your students clues as to how many candy pieces are in the jar. I was inspired by Steve Wyborney and his Esti-Mystery...
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