Close reading is all the rage in ELA classrooms, but it can definitely work in math, too. Students often struggle with word problems because they don't fully understand what the problem is telling them or asking them to do. By using close reading in math, you can help eliminate some of this struggle. Keep reading to read how I implement close reading with tricky word … [Read more...] about Close Reading in Math for Upper Elementary
Archives for July 2018
Write About Reading Ideas for Upper Elementary
Having students write about what they are reading is a great way to help students dive into analyzing a story, help make comprehension visible to the teacher, allow students to share their reading easily, and hold students accountable for reading. Whew, there is a lot of benefits for sure! However, sometimes as a teacher I found that I needed fresh ideas to keep my … [Read more...] about Write About Reading Ideas for Upper Elementary
Getting To Know You Activity with Jenga
Playing Jenga in the classroom is my new favorite way to review and practice math and language skills. But, it doesn't have to end there! You can also use Jenga as a fun back to school activity. On this post, I will share a getting to know you activity using Jenga with options to play this in small groups or as a whole class activity. Amazon affiliate links provided … [Read more...] about Getting To Know You Activity with Jenga
Free Guided Math Binder for Upper Elementary
Organization is honestly not my strength as a teacher, but I still try every day to be better at it. One area that I do feel that I have pretty well-organized is my guided math binder. In the past, I have shared some of the forms that I use in my guided math binder on separate posts but I am finally compiling them (and a few others) into one post and one convenient (and … [Read more...] about Free Guided Math Binder for Upper Elementary
Free Word Problem of the Day Starter Pack
Confession: It was my first year teaching and one month before the state test, I realized that I had failed to expose my students to enough word problems for them to be successful and confident with them. I was so caught up in the pacing guide and using the math textbook that I failed to make the math real world and situational for my students. Big mistake on my part and … [Read more...] about Free Word Problem of the Day Starter Pack
Free Reading Posters (4th-5th Grade)
Vocabulary is so important in instruction and the vocabulary of the skills and standards we teach is SO important. If the students can't tell you what the meaning of theme is, they definitely can't apply that to a story or passage. In this post, I will share free reading posters to help you teach the reading vocabulary of the standards and help your students master … [Read more...] about Free Reading Posters (4th-5th Grade)
Free Reading Games and Activities for Launching Reading Centers
In 4th and 5th grade, I want my students independently reading books of their choosing and lots of them. However, I also really love using reading centers a couple of days a week in addition to independent reading. It helps me ensure that I cover my reading standards and allows my students plenty of time to practice them. In this post, I will share some free reading games … [Read more...] about Free Reading Games and Activities for Launching Reading Centers
Free Math Puzzles for the Entire Year | Seasonal and Holiday Themes
Do you ever want something a bit different from the normal math fact or number sense practice? These fun math puzzles are just what you need! In this post, I will be giving you all the details about how you can get ten (yes, TEN!) sets of math puzzles to use with your students all year! About the Math Puzzles To solve the problems, the students use their knowledge … [Read more...] about Free Math Puzzles for the Entire Year | Seasonal and Holiday Themes
Guided Math – Collection of Resources and Posts for Guided Math Instruction
When I switched to a guided math approach to teaching math and began using math centers two to three times a week (read what I do the other days on this post), my students' success and confidence with math soared. I was able to truly meet the needs of all my learners and in a way that the students loved. Over the years, I have b;ogged a ton about guided math and I finally … [Read more...] about Guided Math – Collection of Resources and Posts for Guided Math Instruction