Let’s talk about my favorite theorem, Pythagorean’s! Though it ranked 4 out of 100 in mathematicians, Paul and Jack Abad’s, list of 100 Greatest Theorems, I know it ranks number 1 in most middle school math teachers’ hearts. Vertical Alignment Before I jump into any topic, I like to see what students already know. Our units are complete with vertical planning, so I don’t have to ...
3 Steps to Mastering Systems of Equations
Is there anything more satisfying than solving a system of equations problem? That might be the nerdiest sentence ever published on this blog, but it is true! I loved learning systems of equations as a student, and I loved teaching it as a teacher. Let’s jump into the 3 methods for mastering systems of equations. This post is full, so be on the lookout for part 2 where we will discuss ...
6 Tips for Math Small Groups
If adding small groups to your math instruction is a goal for the new year, then this post is for you. We are breaking down the 6 most critical tips for implementing a successful small group. Check out the video here. In case you can’t watch the video, here are some tips on how to implement small group instruction. In case you can’t watch the video, here are some tips on how ...
MTM Team’s Favorite Things
With the Holiday season right around the corner, I compiled a favorite things list from our Maneuvering the Middle team!! You will find that these items are not exclusive to the classroom and would make perfect gifts for your friends and family (or yourself!) 1. Alexa Smart Plugs "These little guys are simple but one of our best purchases lately. They allow you to set up custom ...
5 Multiplication Strategies
Do your students often make mistakes using the standard multiplication algorithm? Then this post is for you! Here are 5 alternative multiplication strategies for your upper elementary and middle school students. 1. Open Area Model The area model demonstrates that when multiplying two numbers, you can find partial products and add them together to find the overall product. The ...
Ideas for Homeroom
Advisory or homeroom is a perfect place to build relationships with your students in a non-academic setting! It can also be the time that turns into chaos because you don’t have a plan for it. Homeroom is often the last thing I think about, but I have found that my school day and school year is so much more successful when I have taken the time to make the most of my homeroom. ...
Teaching Proportional Relationships
Proportional relationships are ingrained in our everyday life. While most students pick up on the process to solve fairly quickly, there is so much foundational, conceptual knowledge that we want to acknowledge and emphasize. Today, let’s examine how proportional relationships go far beyond just solving for a missing number and how to set a foundation for success in ...
Student-Centered Math Activities
Planning student-centered math activities takes work! There is the actual planning and creating that takes time, but then there is also the actual classroom time to squeeze the activities into. I have five 7 favorite activities that are fun and engaging, but also help scaffold the learning. I think that is why I love math so much; it can be broken down into smaller components. The ...
How To Structure a 100 Minute Class Period
Most math teachers would love a longer class period! I taught a 100 minute class one year, and it definitely had its pros and cons: Pros of a 100 Minute Class Period Cons of a 100 Minute Class Period Things to Consider Below is just one way to structure your 100 minute class period. Sometimes things do not go according to plan, but it is always a good idea to have a ...
Staying on Track with Your Scope and Sequence
As a teacher, getting behind in your scope and sequence can feel especially stressful. These tips will keep you on track so when it comes to test review time in the spring, you have covered all of your material, and you aren’t rushing to fit it all in and trying to review too! 1. Use a Scope and Sequence (grab ours!) If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. If you aren’t provided a ...