In the summer, I excitedly anticipate the release of classroom decorations to the Target Dollar Spot. Since that is weeks away, I thought I would use my energy to create a list of supplies that every math teacher should have in their classroom. All of these items can be found in use in my classroom any given day (with the exception of the whiteboard clipboards which I will be purchasing ...
Search Results for: fraction
Alternative Assessments in Math
Test days are equally as exciting as they are dread inducing. I communicate to students that it is their opportunity to show me what they know, but then I begin to feel doubtful. Today, I am going to share four alternative assessments in math that you might consider using. What if they all fail? Did I review this concept enough? Did they study? Is the test too hard? Is the test ...
Tips for Using Khan Academy
I have posted about how I have implemented Khan Academy when working with small groups and when differentiating instruction, and we have received comments asking for more Khan Academy know how. I am certainly not an expert, but after tinkering around with it for about two years, and seeing what has worked and not worked, I have a few tips for using Khan Academy in the ...
Teacher Planner Alternative – The Flexi
It’s September! And with that, the initial shock of THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO AND THE CHILDREN ARE COMING has ended. Since we are no longer in panic mode, it seems fitting to discuss how we are going to accomplish tasks on our to do lists in the most time saving, efficient, productive, helpful, organized, and prettiest fashion. :) I have finally landed on a system that works for me, and ...
4 Tips for Effective Parent Communication
A couple weeks ago, Noelle wrote about how to keep your parent communication organized. In middle school, this is especially important when you are teaching 150+ students. With the new school year beginning, and a whole new set of students AND parents, I am going to share some insight on effective parent communication. 4 Tips for Effective Parent Communication 1. ...
Middle School Classroom Tour
Ya'll, the time has finally come! It is classroom reveal time, so join me on a tour around my middle school classroom. This year I started completely fresh. My school repaints the walls and waxes the floor during the summer, so I have to pack everything up before I leave for the summer. This always feels like a pain, but it gives me the freedom to start completely ...
Tips for Implementing Math Small Group Instruction
What do you do with the kids that “don’t get it”? I think this is a constant battle that we face as teachers. Sometimes it even keeps us up at night. Today I wanted to share tips for implementing math small group instruction. If your classroom functions like mine, a typical class period might consist of a warm up, guided notes, a class activity that is simultaneously accessible ...
Ratios in the Classroom
I always loved teaching ratios. Students often did well with the concept, I was able to incorporate fun activities, and we quickly moved on to proportions. With the changes in the Common Core Standards, students are expected to have a much deeper understanding of ratios. 6.RP.1 Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a ratio relationship between two ...
5 Teacher Organization Tips for Middle School
Over spring break, I was able to visit my sister, Mrs. Brack, and see her classroom. I love seeing other people’s classrooms and how they are organized. She is not only a fabulous math teacher but crafty and organized. I thought I would share 5 Teacher Organization Tips for Middle School. Some of these totally apply to any middle school classroom, but a few are ...
My Math Intervention Schedule
Math Intervention is a class or a period of time devoted to helping students who have been unsuccessful (typically on standardized tests) by providing additional time and resources. Oftentimes, a math intervention class is smaller in size or might include a co-teacher. In my experience, there is not a lot of structure, direction, or resources to support math intervention. Today, I am ...