For the past several weeks, we have been sharing ideas about number sense in middle school and discussing how students who struggle with math concepts generally also struggle with number sense. If your campus implements the RTI (response to intervention) process, then you know these students who struggle need a Tier 2 intervention. Today, I want to share some ideas on how to get started ...
Using the Guided Math Framework in Math Intervention
When we first started working on a resource for math intervention, I picked up #allthebooks. I was quickly becoming Amazon’s favorite customer! Guided math: A framework for mathematics instruction, was the first one that I dug into. I liked its very step-by-step approach to small groups and the various sample schedules and routines. Looking for more ideas for math intervention? ...
2018 Ultimate Teacher Gift Guide
If you are like me, then you are always struggling with what to ask for at the holidays. Some gifts seem too personal (clothes) and some are difficult to explain aside from sending a specific link. Our 2018 Teacher Gift Guide is broken down by cost so that you can find a small way to express your thanks for as little as $10. 2018 HOLIDAY TEACHER GIFT GUIDE UP to $10 Seven fairly ...
5 Strategies for Building Number Sense
Last week, I shared my love for the book Developing Numerical Fluency and broke down the idea of number sense. This week, I wanted to share five strategies for building number sense in the middle school classroom. Upon preparing for this blog post, I did quite a bit of research and was disappointed to see that the vast majority of books on numerical fluency are geared towards K-5 ...
Number Sense in Middle School
"I struggle with finding activities to do with all levels of intervention in the classroom. For example, this year in 7th grade math, I had students who couldn't do multi-digit addition and subtraction, while a few others were flying through it. I try to always review some 6th grade skills in the beginning and then review and reteach 7th grade skills I've covered, but they ...
The Gradual Release of Responsibility Model
You may already be familiar with the gradual release of responsibility model for teaching and learning: “I do, we do, you do it together, you do it alone.” You may be incorporating it on your campus, in your classroom, or with your small group. Today, I want to share a little bit about what the gradual release of responsibility model is, different activities that support it, how to ...
Math TEKS Resources for Middle School Teachers
Over the past two years, we have developed a math curriculum that is engaging, student-centered, easy to implement for teachers, and aligned to the TEKS! Hooray! As a Texas teacher, it can be difficult to find resources that truly meet the rigor and depth of our Texas Math Standards. One of the things that I am passionate about is the alignment to the standards and alignment between ...
Using Ebates to Save Money: Teacher Edition
A little-known fact about me is that I used to be a diehard couponer. I am not sure why I started or what compelled me to work the coupon system, but I loved when I was able to get something for free. Now the only problem is when you get something for free that you won't use or don’t have a need for. I mean, how many bottles of shampoo can you really use? But, when I first ...
5 Ideas for Teacher Organization
As teachers, we are always looking for new and better ways to do things. I think it’s part of our nature. I remember in my first year teaching, I bought those office trays that I used for students to collect and turn in papers. The trouble was that the papers would get crammed in there, some would fall out, and oftentimes, students would slip them in the wrong tray! The next ...
Extension Ideas for Early Finishers
Even when working with a 50-minute class period, there will be times when students complete their work quickly and need something “to do” for the last few minutes of class. If you have a longer class period, then likely this happens more frequently, and it’s something to be prepared for. If not, then you will end up saying something like, “Work on something quietly at your desk.” ...