Conceptual Learning, Concrete Pictorial Abstract, Elementary Math, Fractions, Manipulatives, Multiplication, Number Sense, Uncategorized

Top 5 Manipulatives: Pattern Blocks

I am a HUGE advocate for using manipulatives in the classroom... at all grade levels. I have not always thought this. Early on in my career when I went from teaching Algebra I to 4th grade, I saw teachers in my elementary building using manipulatives as I would walk by and think, "Why are they… Continue reading Top 5 Manipulatives: Pattern Blocks

Addition, Decimals, Division, Elementary Math, Fluency, Fractions, Math Games, Math Talk, Multiplication, Number Sense, Pedagogy, Place Value, Problem Solving, Subtraction, Vocabulary

Digital Number Sense SUMmit 2023

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

Division, Elementary Math, Fractions, Math Talk, Number Sense, Vocabulary

Mathematicians Love Hot Cocoa

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

Division, Elementary Math, Number Sense, Uncategorized, Vocabulary

Division with Multi-Digit Dividends

This may be an unpopular opinion, but the traditional algorithm for division is outdated and needs to go away.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