Over the course of my career as a classroom teacher and throughout my journey as a mother, I have developed a LOVE of picture books. I love reading books to students, picture books and chapter books. What's even better is when I would read books during our math time. Some of my favorites are below:… Continue reading Math Picture Books
It's that time of year again! My friend Kristin, of Hilty Consulting, and I are hosting the 4th Annual Digital Number Sense Summit June 13-14. Every year this is one of our favorite things to do, put together a conference to fit the needs of what we are seeing in classrooms and what teachers are… Continue reading Digital Number Sense SUMmit 2023
Who doesn't love a good mug of hot chocolate in the cold winter months? When I was teaching in the classroom still, I was always trying to tie in real-world experiences into my math lessons and what's better than combining math and hot chocolate? Do you have that one bulletin board in your building that… Continue reading Mathematicians Love Hot Cocoa
This may be an unpopular opinion, but the traditional algorithm for division is outdated and needs to go away. Let me explain. The traditional algorithm for any computation (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) is a procedure and when taught alone does not make math meaningful and make math make sense to students. We as adults… Continue reading Division with Multi-Digit Dividends
When I get asked the question, "What is one, quick activity I can do with my students to build number sense?" my response just about every time is Steve Wyborney's Esti-Mystery. The Esti-Mystery activity is a FREE download from Steve's website that is leveled to reach all of your mathematicians. You can sign up for… Continue reading Esti-Mystery….
Decorating classrooms is either a perk of being a teacher or just something else on our never-ending to do list. Some teachers love going into their classrooms over the summer months and creating some of the most magical spaces for student learning. Some teachers would rather not decorate their classrooms to look Pinterest worthy, and… Continue reading Mathematical Vocabulary (Anchor Charts)- Part 4
In my last vocabulary blog post I discussed the need for teachers and students to use proper mathematical vocabulary. I referenced the 8 Standards of Mathematical Practice and how communication is key in students making sense of problems, reasoning abstractly and quantitatively, constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others, and modeling with mathematics. … Continue reading Mathematical Vocabulary- Part 2
I often reference the 8 Standards of Mathematical Practice when I am working with teachers. Regardless of the set of standards your school or district utilizes, the vast majority also include the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Mathematical Practice Standards are separate from content standards. The graphic below gives us an easy to understand breakdown. … Continue reading Mathematical Vocabulary Part 1
How is math learning showcased in your building? Does each teacher put up their own displays? Do you have building-wide displays for visitors to view? Kristin and I love walking into buildings where you can see the learning taking place before you ever enter the classroom. Just today I saw these hanging in the hallway… Continue reading Mathematical Environments in Your School – Part 1
To be honest, if you asked 100 different people you may get 100 different answers. What is a mathematician? For me this is a simple question. For students, this is quite tricky. At the start of every school year, for the past 9 or so years, I have given this question to each of my… Continue reading What is a mathematician?
