There is an enormous amount of content to teach. It can feel overwhelming to try and put all of the standards on the calendar and often feels like we are flying through the curriculum hoping students are catching on. When students have a deep understanding of the content, they are able to apply it, use it, and make connections between the classroom and real life. It wasn't until I ...
4 Reasons to Explicitly Teach the Number Line
The elusive number line. Students have seen a number line since they first entered the kindergarten classroom. That famous border that goes around the room. What really is the number line? Why do we ask students to use it? Why should we as teachers use it? I will admit that until I saw my mentor teacher use and explicitly teach the number line, I did not see it as valuable. ...
How to Have a Successful First Week of Middle School
Middle school is awkward. Never will your students be as quiet as they are on the first day. If you have a loud one, be forewarned, that is not a good sign. But what do your middle school students really need from you that first week? They need to trust you. They need to know that you care about them. They need to know that you are on their side. There is incredible power in ...
The Marshmallow Challenge
The Marshmallow Challenge is going to get you through May, I promise. It is that time of year. The time you look forward to all year. But, when it arrives can be difficult, busy, and overall chaotic. May has arrived. It is tempting to want students quietly working in their seats, but the reality is that is more difficult than planning some fun, engaging activities. That is where ...
Determining What to Review
March 1st always brings about two things: the impending countdown to spring break (yay!) and the daunting task of test prep review (eek!). In my years of teaching, testing season began immediately after spring break. Different grades and subjects were state tested towards the end of March and throughout April. First and foremost, I support best teaching practices, which involve ...
Standardized Test Review, Yes or No?
With the increase in testing days, the time for a standardized test review can be difficult to find. Each district and even school take their own stance on benchmark exams, unit tests, common assessments, and even weekly quizzes. In this day and age of assessment as "king", we see the impact of instructional time in the classroom. In one school, the district provided exams every three ...
Making Math Relevant
We encounter math on a daily basis. As I prepared my tax documents (ugh) I was reminded of this truth. We see it at the grocery store and Christmas shopping. The year I taught Algebra 1, was the year I really struggled to show my students this concept. As we graphed linear equations, it was difficult to communicate to them how we used this so frequently. I think I am not alone in ...
Fractions. Decimals. Percents. Oh My!
Yesterday, I shared with you how the Common Core State Standards have emphasized fractions and number sense. As many of you can relate, this is a much needed area of support for our students. Today, I would like to share a few quick ideas for supporting this need in the classroom or tutoring setting. Ordering | once students have a clear understanding that numbers can be ...
Maximizing Your Planning Time
Conference. Planning. PLC. Team Meeting. To the outsider these all seem very similar, time away from your students throughout the day. Today, I am going to share ideas for maximizing your planning time, or whatever you call it. To the teacher, we know better. Each name comes with a distinct expectation and amount of flexibility. I have worked in each of the settings below at a ...
Back to School Math Activities
That first week of school can be so overwhelming! I don't know about you, but I really want to get to know my students. I want to develop a classroom community, set procedures (I am super picky), but I have this conflicting feeling inside that says, "I don't have enough days. I will be behind". Also, there is usually some pressure from administrators and the curriculum to not "waste ...