Every holiday season is busy, but this year it feels as if I cannot keep my head above water. There are no parties or events keeping me busy, so I have to assume it’s the challenge of teaching in a pandemic. Can’t image how that could be difficult, right? There are several resources I had […]
Last Minute Christmas Resources Read More »
Every year I’m bound and determined to help students experience the magic of the holiday season. At the same time, I want the learning to continue and to minimize behavior issues. In this post, I’ve shared a collection of my favorite Christmas activities that are just right for upper elementary students. Browse these resources: Reading Holidays
Christmas Round-Up + Resources Read More »
Most curriculums and textbooks make a lot of assumptions. That’s especially true in math. For instance, in fourth grade, students jump right in to multiplying a 4-digit number by a one-digit whole number and then multiplying 2-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers. Years of experience has taught me that the majority of students are not ready
Lessons to Teach BEFORE Introducing Multi-Digit Multiplication Read More »
Teaching multiplication as a comparison is the second portion of my multiplication unit. I begin the unit by teaching factors and multiples which you can read about here. You can certainly switch the lessons around and begin with multiplication as a comparison, though. Multiplication Situations In order for students to understand the significance of multiplication
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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 »
I happen to to think that I went to one of the best teacher preparation colleges in the world. And, my supervising teachers were THE best in the world. However, despite that great foundation, there were so many things that can only be learned through experience. Below are 10 things I wish I had known
10 Things I Wish I Had Known About Teaching 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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This ultimate list of Halloween activities for the classroom is here! We all know that during this time of year our calendars are completely full, and students get oh-so excited about every single holiday that will occur in the next few months. I try to embrace the crazy and enjoy the season. However, we don’t
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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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