Welcome to Part 3 of our Problem Solving Strategy series! Today we are diving into helpful tape diagrams to solve problems. If you want to learn more, check out this book, Mathematize It!, that covers the topic of teaching how to solve word problems in much more detail. Be sure to read: Part 1: Three Word Problem Types to Teach | Part 2: Three Steps to Solving Word ...
3 Steps to Solving Word Problems
In order to be a successful math student, you have to persevere through various problems. This is a skill that can be taught and must be practiced. (Noelle recently presented an amazing math training - Practical Problem Solving Strategies - this summer, and I was truly amazed at just how much I learned. I will be breaking down the training into 3 blog posts over the course of ...
3 Types of Word Problems to Teach
Problem solving is a multifaceted process! While I’ve written about Math Problem Solving Strategies and How to Teach Word Problems and Problem Solving, there is still so much more to cover. Noelle presented an amazing math training this summer on Practical Problem Solving Strategies. I was truly amazed at just how much I learned. I will be breaking down the training into 3 blog posts ...
Solving 5 Classroom Interruptions
There are the classroom interruptions that you cannot control: fire drills, alternative bell schedules, and fill-in-the-blank with about a zillion other options. However, there are so many interruptions that you can minimize to maximize the effectiveness of your classroom time. Every minute counts! Let’s chat today about common classroom interruptions and some ways to combat these ...
Tips for Teaching from a Cart
Are you a nomadic teacher? No single classroom to call your own, but instead, you travel from classroom to classroom teaching from a cart? TIPS for Teaching FROM A CART The idea is simple. Instead of rotating hundreds of students, rotate the teachers. This makes sense from a logistical standpoint, but it does add 16 more things for teachers to think about on a daily basis. (Did ...
Utilizing Classroom Jobs to Save Time
As a teacher, I firmly believe that students can learn anything. This applies to academics, character, and …. helping you around your classroom! Today I will share some practical tips on utilizing classroom jobs to save time. Benefits of Classroom Jobs Provides students a sense of ownership and community in their classroom When done correctly, classroom jobs can remove another task ...
How to Teach Problem Solving
Problem solving can be a challenge to teach. Perhaps, it is because we are trying to teach students to manage and implement a myriad of skills: thinking, observing, investigating, reasoning through situations, and accessing prior knowledge. Check out these strategies to get students thinking! LISTEN ON: APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY Problem Solving with Word Problems In the book The ...
Math Problem Solving Strategies
How many times have you been teaching a concept that students are feeling confident in, only for them to completely shut down when faced with a word problem? For me, the answer is too many to count. Word problems require problem solving strategies. And more than anything, word problems require decoding, eliminating extra information, and opportunities for students to solve for ...
5 Ideas for Open Number Lines
What is an Open Number Line? An open number line is exactly what it sounds like - a blank number line that students can use to solve a multitude of middle school math problems. Open number lines provide a great visual for abstract concepts. Let’s talk about 5 ways to use open number lines in middle school math! 1. Fluency Adding friendly numbers - This method leaves one ...
5 Tips for Implementing Performance Tasks
The first performance task that I ever implemented was district provided and meant to replace the standard benchmark assessment. It did not go well; students felt defeated and I felt frustrated. Here is what I should have done: Before I begin, let’s talk about what a performance task is: “A performance task is any learning activity or assessment that asks students to perform to ...