The distributive property is an important building block for algebraic concepts such as multiplying polynomials, recognizing equivalent expressions, and factoring polynomials. Since it starts as early as 6th grade, let’s talk about how to make this as concrete as possible for students. If you haven’t already, go back and read last week’s post on simplifying expressions by combining like ...
Tips for Teaching Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions is foundational in Algebra! Clear understanding of this concept will help students solve equations in middle school and high school math. Come back next week when we will expound on this concept with the distributive property. Let’s dig into simplifying expressions by combining like terms. Vertical Alignment As always, I like to take a look at the ...
Structuring a 60 Minute Class Period
How long are your class periods? Let's discuss ways to structure a 60 minute class period. These of course are guidelines; sometimes albeit often, in a middle school classroom, things do not go according to plan, but it is always a good idea to have a structured routine for both yourself and your students. **Be sure to check out our posts on structuring a 45 minute lesson and ...
Teaching Scientific Notation and Exponents
Let’s chat about scientific notation and exponents! I have found that the simplest skills in math are often the most miscalculated and confusing for students. Exponents and scientific notation can fall into this trap. Vertical Alignment Exponent Tips It is important with both exponents and scientific notation that students understand that they show a different way to ...
Are Math Pre-Assessments Necessary?
At the beginning of the school year, we are often asked about math pre-assessments: Does Maneuvering the Middle have pre-assessments?Should teachers give pre-assessments?If yes, what are some best practices? It is likely that your school already has something in place like MAP or benchmark testing. In those cases, I would say that your pre-assessment is good to go. If you're ...
Structuring a 45 Minute Class Period
Does a perfect class length exist? Let’s talk about structuring a 45 minute class period. 45 minute class periods are what I experienced as a student, but as a teacher, whew - it is a whirlwind! Pros of 45 Minute Periods Students’ attention spans are only so long. 45 minutes means that the pace is quick, and there is no time to waste. Students can feel that urgency! Ideally, this ...
A Plan to Unfinished Learning
In July, Noelle presented an incredible training about what teachers can do to combat unfinished learning in math. Because the information was so relevant and useful, I thought it would be helpful for it to exist in a blog post as well. When your students aren’t where you want them to be, it can be easy to just keep trucking along. Ignoring the unfinished learning in your classroom ...
Teaching One- and Two-Step Inequalities
What I love so much about inequalities are the infinite solutions. For so much of students’ previous math experience, there is one exact answer. When it comes to inequalities, it is fun to push students to think of their answers beyond “x<4” and brainstorm all of the infinite solutions that x can be and then connect it to the graph. Can x be 3.9999?Can x be 4?Can x be ...
Easy First Week of School Activities for Middle School
First week of school activities are a must! If you have a few days built into your scope and sequence for culture building, then you may be asking yourself, “What on earth do I cover during that time?” Don’t worry - we got you! I strongly suggest teaching routines and procedures and building relationships during that time, but presenting a slideshow explaining how to turn in ...
Solving Equations in Middle School Math
Solving equations is foundational for middle and high school math. Students actually have been doing this since first grade! However, students can make careless errors or struggle when it comes to following the many procedural steps required to solve an equation. The Standard Why the struggle? Solving equations is very revealing. If your students struggle with integer ...