So we are wrapping up the school year here at our house, and since motivation is at an all time low (can any of you relate!?), we've been using this time to review some of the math topics from the year by taking it outside for some hands-on math FUN! First up: shape review! We spent a couple of minutes reviewing various shapes and talking about why we learn about shapes and how we use them in real life. Then, I explained how our scavenger hunt Keep Reading...
Let’s Get Cooking! {Math Fun in the Kitchen}
One of the best ways to engage reluctant math learners is to make math fun and relevant. We use math every single day, but it's not always clear or obvious to our kids! One way that I use math all the time (usually without even thinking about it) is in the kitchen. Measuring correctly, converting measures, doubling a recipe for the freezer-these are all important ways to apply math in our everyday life and a very easy way to include my kids and Keep Reading...
Problem Solving by Drawing a Picture
I am a very visual learner. Whenever I am facing a word problem of any kind, my initial reaction is to draw a picture. Even if it is a fairly simple problem and I think I already know how to solve it (or even already know the answer), I will almost always still draw a picture. While this is an especially useful strategy for visual learners, I believe that problem solving by drawing a picture can be helpful for any student! -->Pssst! Do your Keep Reading...
The King’s Chessboard Problem {Free Printables!}
Today's math story problem is a classic problem that is seen in the book: The King's Chessboard by David Birch Similar to The Lion's Share, this classic folktale teaches important lessons on character and the dangers of pride, while also presenting a fascinating mathematical problem. When a King forces the wise man to choose a reward for his service, the man says he simply wants one grain of rice for the first square on the chessboard, then Keep Reading...
The Lion’s Share: Lessons and Printables!
I am SO excited to share my newest math story resource with you! If you have not already, please check out the book, The Lion's Share by Matthew McElligott. The Lion's Share It is a wonderfully simple and yet math packed story about a lion's hospitality and an ant's good manners. Not only will your kids explore exciting math (fractions, patterns and multiplication), they will learn an important lesson about the dangers of pride and Keep Reading...
From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Our Plans for the Week {And FREE Math Worksheets!}
This week we will be learning first hand just what takes place when a caterpillar makes the transformation into a butterfly. To say my kids are excited is a bit of an understatement! ;) Although I don't usually have a theme for the week, with all the excitement surrounding our new critters, and the excitement to get outside and explore, I decided this whole week would be butterfly themed. First, we have a wonderful stack of books from the Keep Reading...
Sir Cumference Lesson! {Euler’s Law}
There are so many benefits to reading and engaging with math stories. But I think students will get even more out of the story if the learning doesn't stop once the last page is read. Therefore, I have been creating activities to go along with some of my favorite math books! (If you missed the activities for Math Curse by Jon Scieszka, be sure to check it out!). Honestly, I love all the Sir Cumference books by Cindy Neuschwander. They are Keep Reading...
Modeling Fractions & Equivalent Fractions: FREE Puzzles
Looking for some visual aids to help your kids see and understand fractions and equivalent fractions? This fun set of printable fraction puzzles can help show kids what fractions represent. Using puzzles was such a fun way to help my daughter practice and recognize place value, I decided to create some more fun printable puzzles! These puzzles are meant to help students understand fractions, as well as practice learning equivalent fractions. Keep Reading...
Math Curse Extension Activities! {FREE!}
Looking for a way to extend the learning with the book Math Curse? This free pack of Math Curse extension activities is a great way to help your kids see math in real life. Math stories are such a fun way to engage kids in math learning, as well as help them see math in the world around them. Stories can make math come alive and get kids excited! One of my favorite (and highly engaging) stories is Math Curse by Jon Sciezka. This hilarious tale Keep Reading...
FREE Elementary Math Worksheets and Games
Instead of my weekly round-up of assorted math freebies, this week I am sharing a new discovery of mine: Math Salamanders! As a middle and high school teacher, I know where to look for extra practice worksheets (such as Kuta Software). I have not always been aware of or familiar with, however, resources and practice for elementary math classes. But now that I'm teaching my little ones, as well as tutoring a third grader, I have been on the Keep Reading...
