Does your current math instruction involve only situations where there is one answer? Are students expected to solve problems following rigid procedures that do not require critical or creative thinking? These components are important; however, it’s time to take your math instruction to the next level! The answer: open ended
Integrating writing and math is critical in twenty-first century classrooms. Elementary students not only need to be able to accurately solve grade level problems, but also be able to explain their thinking and strategies both orally (e.g. number talks) and in writing (e.g. math journal). Mathematical writing is a great
You might think that math sorting activities are just for kindergarten students, but they are actually a very powerful instructional tool that can be used as a way to introduce, reinforce, or assess a grade level concept in grades 1-5 as well. A great way to implement a math sorting
Before I get into what spiral review math is and how to implement it in your elementary classroom, let’s go back in time for a minute… SCREEEEEEEECH!!! That’s the sound heard in many classrooms as teachers are forced to hit the brakes on teaching. No more engaging lessons and creative
If you are a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade teacher and you teach math, then you are in the right place! It doesn’t matter if teaching elementary math is your favorite or least favorite part of the school day. Additionally, it doesn’t matter if you are at the
Before I go into the details of Guided Math Workshop, let me first tell you about my journey and how I launched the Math Workshop model. There is no denying that children have changed over the years. Attention spans are shorter and more and more children struggle to sit and
My school is very focused on improving our students’ math vocabulary. When I created my 2D Geometry Unit, I strived to create activities that would provide ample opportunities for the students to practice and use the related vocabulary words throughout our daily Guided Math Workshop. I did this by creating 2D
This Polygons with Personality resource is on my list of favorite geometry craft ideas! It ended up being one of those lessons that I’d be giddy about doing every year. It’s the perfect blend of academics and craftiness. It rolled math vocabulary and concepts, character traits, writing skills, and cutting
Printable math manipulatives used to just be a good tool for homework support, when classroom manipulatives went missing, or when we didn’t have access due to financial constraints. 2020 changed everything. Now printable math manipulatives are an essential resource for all elementary teachers. Whether you use remote learning, distance learning,
