It’s no secret that students learn best when they have the ability to play with math. Manipulatives give students the opportunity to explore how numbers works and develop deep conceptual understanding of important math concepts. Let’s dive into my list of must-have math manipulatives for upper elementary classrooms by focusing on the major work for third, fourth, and fifth grade math.
Read MoreKids love to talk, did you know that? I love to just listen to them talk. The things that come out of their little mouths can be downright hilarious. If you listen close enough, you’ll also notice kids have such a unique (and sometimes surprising) perspective on everything. So how can we as teachers tap into this to improve math learning in our classroom? We do this by making math talk a regular and welcomed part of our daily routine.
Read MoreIn just a few short weeks we will launch our Upper Elementary Math Teachers facebook group and begin reading Becoming the Math Teacher You Wished You'd Had by Tracy Zager together! This book will leave you inspired, encouraged, motivated, and ready to get back in the classroom (well, after your well-deserved summer break of course) and give your students the amazing math experiences they desperately need!
Read MoreFor a while now I have wanted to create some way for math teachers, specifically those who work with 3rd-5th grade students, to connect and grow together. I wanted a place that was completely devoted to #allthingsmath where teachers could come to learn from each other and be inspired by one another. I wanted a place where math teachers could come to support each other on the hard days and celebrate the great days!
Read MoreOne of my favorite things to do in the classroom is to actually make things with my students. I absolutely love throwing on my apron and getting my hands and the rest of the classroom dirty! Creating with kids makes for the best memories! It may take a little extra planning, organizing, and cleaning, but I have never regretted giving my students these types of experiences!
Read MoreI think it's safe to say we have all had those students who immediately after reading a math problem raises their hand and simultaneously shouts "but I don't get it!" It can be incredibly frustrating because you know they have not truly taken a reasonable amount of time to think through the problem and try to do something.
Read MoreWhat I found is not so clear among many teachers and those district leaders who write our pacing guides is what comes first? Operations with fractions or operations with decimals? Both of these concepts play a huge role in 5th grade math and provide a critical foundation for math learning through high school and beyond.
Read MoreHave you ever had a student ask... "When am I ever going to use this?" Early in my teaching career this question would drive me crazy! This question now makes me realize I have not fully been doing my job as a math teacher... There should never be a time when a student does not understand the purpose or application behind what they are learning!
Read MoreCan you believe it is back to school time already? We just finished up an amazing first week of school and I could not have been more exhausted! After a weekend of rest, I am looking forward to the second week of school. But first, I had to share with you a few of the activities I did with my students in their first week of the new school year!
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