Using story problem situations, or word problem types, to teach problem-solving in the elementary grades. The Problem with Problem-Solving I was tearing my hair out trying to get my students to solve word problems accurately! They would grab the two numbers they saw and randomly add or subtract them :::sigh::: Then I found what I affectionately…
It’s time for Monday Made It with 4th Grade Frolics! Have you heard of “The Progressions” for Common Core math? I went to a workshop a while ago and the presenter said The Progressions is like a Common Core math bible! I thought, why was I never given a copy or a link to this…
I just made this anchor chart for kids who are new to the concept of arrays. Click the picture to download this anchor chart for FREE! I highlighted the main vocabulary kids need to know about arrays. This chart could be projected during a lesson, put up on a math bulletin board, or…
Here’s an easy idea for teaching area and perimeter that your students will love! Take them outside (but first, make it clear that it’s not recess time!). Have them follow behind you in a line as you walk around the edge of the basketball court (or playground, or blacktop, or whatever you have). Yell out…
Teaching with Play Doh If you don’t have a class set of Play Doh cups, you may want to consider purchasing some. (Or even asking for parent donations.) Play Doh can be used for a wide variety of activities and it’s very motivating for students. Nobody wants to be the kid that gets…
If Not the Algorithm, Then What? The summer before my school was implementing Common Core math standards, we all attended a 3-day training. In 2nd grade we tackle “regrouping” (or borrowing and carrying) in addition and subtraction. It’s a big deal for us, it’s our thing, and we’re proud to teach this critical skill. I…
Today I’m linking up with Miss V’s Busy Bees to talk about assessment! Have you had this experience during math: “Everybody tell me what the answer to the problem is..” “Seventeen!” You think: Wow! My kids are doing great with solving math facts. Then you go to test them only to find out that some…
When I teach measurement I always wonder how kids make it so dang difficult! “Mrs. Braun, I measured my desk and it’s 2 inches long!” …..wait, WHAT!?! Every year I have taught, I encounter a kid who finds a different way to measure incorrectly. After a while it starts to get humorous! I’ve found that…
One of my favorite activities for starting the year in 2nd grade is counting to 1000. Imagine this classroom scene – Instructions have been given, materials have been passed out, and everyone is working silently…at least for a few minutes! I know when I have those rare moments in class that I have found an…
Improve math fact fluency for addition and subtraction by teaching first and second graders how to choose the best math strategy for a fact. Matching Strategies to Equations Problem: I’ve taught my students lots of math fact strategies but how do I get them to put those strategies to use?!? Solution: Learning HOW to…