Word problems used to be the bane of my existence as a new teacher. Thankfully, I learned new strategies and resources to help me implement and teach word problem strategies all year. To be honest, teaching word problems all year was the ONE thing that I did that had the greatest impact (if you are interested in more information about word problems and how I teach them, ... Read More
Free Fraction Activities
Fractions are one of those math topics that my students consistently need practice in. I try to mix up the fraction activities and printables my students complete to keep them engaged and working hard. This post will share some free fraction math printables that are perfect for extra practice and math centers. (Click here to read more about how I teach math here and how I ... Read More
Free Geometry Activities
Geometry, specifically 2-D shapes, is one of those skills that my students need to practice a lot to remember the definitions and characteristics of the different shapes. To mix up my practice, I like to use these free geometry activities that are super low-prep but still engaging for the students. Materials Needed: Printable Cube ---> Download at the end of ... Read More
Using Jenga in the Classroom (Collection of FREE Jenga Games)
One of my new favorite obsessions is using Jenga in the classroom to review and spiral concepts. Over the past year or so, I have been creating several games that are perfect if you want to incorporate Jenga in your classroom and they are all free! On this post, I will share brief descriptions and links to each one. Getting to Know You: Jenga Game Your students will ... Read More
Must-Have Guided Math Materials for Upper Elementary
I remember my first year teaching being completely overwhelmed by all of the math stuff shoved in my cabinets. I didn't know what would I would use the most and what I would rarely or never use. I am sure that my first year teaching I did a terrible job utilizing the math resources available to me. To keep that from happening to you, I will share on this post what I ... Read More
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
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! On 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
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 bogged a ton about guided math and I finally ... Read More
Tips for Teaching Small Groups in Math
The last post in the 4-part blog series about teaching small groups in math is here! This post will be a sort of catch-all post where I will share tips and strategies not discussed in the other three posts in the series. Speaking of the other three posts, click the links below to check out any that you missed! Planning for Small Group Math Instruction <--- Click ... Read More
Small Group Math Assessment and Data Tracking
Data is definitely not a teacher's favorite word, but to be honest, data tracking and assessments are what keep my small groups moving and are what helps me know they are working. In this post, I share quick and easy ways to assess your students during small group math, ways to track your data, and even some goal setting and self-assessments for the students. As a ... Read More
Small Group Math Instruction Resources, Materials, and Activities
Small group math instruction time is precious, and the resources and activities you choose can really maximize that time. In this post, I will share my top resources that I use for my small group math time. As a reminder, this is part of a 4-part blog series all about small group math instruction. See all of the posts below! Planning for Small Group Math ... Read More
Planning for Small Group Math Instruction
Small groups are honestly the backbone of my math instruction. Small group math instruction allows me to really meet the needs of all of the learners in my classroom. Together with whole class instruction and math centers, small groups help me ensure my students master the standards and skills in deeper levels. In this 4-part blog post series, I will share an in-depth ... Read More
