Category: Math
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How to Manage/Modify Task Cards
When starting as a new teacher, using task cards in traditional “Scoot” style was chaotic and challenging for classroom management. A Modified Scoot method, stationary flash and work, cards around the room, centers, and instructor-led small groups are alternative ways to implement task cards effectively in the classroom, allowing for…
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Uncovering Your Classroom Potential: Decor Tips for New Teachers
As a new teacher, it’s natural to feel excited about decorating your classroom. However, opting for low-cost items from the dollar store may not be the best long-term choice. Consider investing in quality, durable decorations that will serve your students well. Additionally, simplify your color scheme and create your own…
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Setting the Stage: A New Teacher’s Guide to Meaningful Classroom Decor
Congratulations on your new or existing classroom! Get ready to elevate its look and educational value without breaking the bank. Learn from my rookie mistakes and design a space that’s functional, visually appealing, and supports student learning. Identify “must displays,” prioritize important elements, and maximize wall space while avoiding common…
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Showcasing Student Work: Organizing Bulletin Boards in Departmentalized Classrooms
The author shares the challenges of maintaining an eye-catching classroom bulletin board. To help fellow teachers, they recommend creating designated spots for student work, using background papers with clothespins, and rotating displays by student numbers. The method ensures all students’ work is showcased, fostering a sense of pride. The author…
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Work Smarter Not Harder: Outsourcing Common Core State Standards
discusses the struggle teachers face trying to cover all academic standards within a school year, often resulting in hasty teaching and learning gaps. The author suggests a solution of ‘outsourcing’ standards: creatively integrating certain topics into other areas of the school day. For example, teaching symmetry in art class or…
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Demystifying Division: Strategies for Handling Remainders in Word Problems
The playfulness of kids on a playground sheds light on the overlooked complexity of learning basic skills. On a separate note, a teacher shares her insight on teaching division, especially handling remainders in word problems, which students often struggle with. She explains three approaches: adding it, dropping it, or sharing…
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Division Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Partial Quotient Division
This math teacher shares a new approach to teaching division, called partial quotient division, which focuses on breaking problems into smaller, manageable pieces. It’s proved effective since students only need to master basic multiplication and addition concepts. However, the method can be controversial among parents accustomed to traditional long division.…
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Cracking the Code of Word Problems: Guiding Students in Choosing the Right Math Operations
As a math teacher, one of the most frustrating conversations I’ve had with parents is about why a student who knows how to add, subtract, multiply, or divide keeps getting low scores on tests and quizzes covering those same skills. Parents are perplexed because they’ve practiced solving equations with their…
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