Learning Math Facts Math facts are simply the basics: addition, subtraction; multiplication; division. They are basic number combinations and calculations we do every day. So why is it that learning math facts creates such huge problems for teachers and students …
Meaning of Equality Often we teach the meaning of equality as the equal sign indicating “put the answer.” To prepare students for future mathematics, we need to rethink the way we communicate this representation to students. The equal sign is …
Often we share our students progress by sending home “Monday” folders with worksheets that were completed, test or quizzes taken the previous week, or maybe we have a site where parents can go and see the current grade in your …
Many teachers ask how to help students record the renaming process in the addition algorithm. What language should I use? I learned to “make trades” or “borrow” when adding and subtracting that require renaming. Is this still correct?
How can we differentiate instruction without putting more work on our plate? Teachers do not have time to prepare multiple tasks and lessons to meet the needs of each student in the classroom. The key is giving an anchor task …
How can we help student refocus on understanding versus just an answer? Too often when we pose a problem and students shout out an answer. We need to ask ourselves do students understand the concept or are they obtaining the …
Is it possible? Participants were asked at the 2017 Fall Mathodology Institute if it was possible to use the digits 0-6 only once to make a true statement? Is it possible? Participants worked and worked and did not find a …
Number Bonds Can you picture spending several classroom periods on the number 5? Specifically, breaking it down into parts, and putting it back together again? Sounds like a lot of time, right? But, spending this amount of classroom time to …
How often are you journaling in your classroom? If you’re like most teachers, your answer might be, “Not often” or “Not enough”. Many teachers tell me, “I don’t know where to start”, or “I don’t have the time”. Sound familiar? …