Sometimes grading assessments can be frustrating, depressing, and a mystery or a combination of all of these. Whether we give quick assessments, exit slips, or lengthy tests, it is so important that we analyze the results and let that drive our instruction. But, that is easier said than done. On this post, I will share the steps I take and the printable I use when ... Read More
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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. Amazon affiliate links provided if you wish to ... Read More
Alternatives to Teaching Whole Group Math (That Are Not Math Centers)
Even though I love using guided math centers and use that as my mode of instruction two to three times a week (read more about that here) to meet the needs of my learners, I recognize that there are some teaching styles and classroom setups that may need something different. Today, I want to share with you two alternatives for math instruction that are not traditional ... 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
Parent-Teacher Conference Tips : Supporting 4th and 5th Graders with Math
Some students certainly have strong opinions about math the older they get, and by the time students are in 4th and 5th grade, you will find such a wide range of ability levels in one classroom. I get asked a lot about how parents can help 4th and 5th graders with math at home, because it is one of those subjects that not only challenges students but may be taught in ... Read More
Close Reading in Math for Upper Elementary
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
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 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
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
