Although I believe in teaching math in a way that is hands-on and conceptual in order to provide a strong foundation, it is also necessary to find a balance between that and fact practice. That doesn't have to mean hours of worksheets and flash cards, though! I'm always looking for fun ways for my kids to practice skills like addition and subtraction, such as this Math Twister game. Today, I'm SO excited to share our latest game: LEGO Duplo Math Keep Reading...
Pythagorean Theorem Lego Proof
Are you familiar with the Pythagorean Theorem? Even if you know the equation, do you know what it means? What all the letters stand for? Why it even matters? Understanding and then using and applying the Pythagorean theorem is important for students because it is so foundational. It can be applied to all kinds of right triangle problems in trigonometry and geometry and is incredibly useful in the real world to determine measurements and right Keep Reading...
6 Reasons Learning Roman Numerals Will Benefit Your Child
With the Super Bowl fast approaching, I've been thinking a lot about roman numerals. Yes, of course I'm also thinking about football, but as a math geek and homeschool mom, it made me wonder-"Should I bother teaching my kids roman numerals?" Is this something kids need to know? And if it's not something that they need to know in everyday life, is there any benefit to teaching them? Well I've come to the conclusion that kids should learn roman Keep Reading...
Simple Trick to End the Frustration With Subtraction Regrouping
One math concept that often stumps students is subtracting with borrowing (or regrouping-whatever you'd like to call it). There are lots of concrete and hands-on ways to teach this concept so that it makes sense to kids, rather than expecting them to memorize a procedure. In the past, I have used base ten blocks or dimes and pennies as a model, which worked well, and I highly recommend teaching this in a conceptual way when introducing it to Keep Reading...
Exploring Numbers With Magazine Cutouts
As I shared recently, I'm focusing on the numbers 1-20 (especially 11-20) with both of my kids right now. I want to help them see and understand the numbers as 10 + ___, rather than simply memorizing the names. I also want them to be able to order and compare these numbers. After spending some time working on place value and "building" the numbers 11-20, I used this fun and incredibly simple lesson to practice working with these numbers. Keep Reading...
Hot Chocolate Math Investigation: Estimation and Measurement!
My kids love hot chocolate. It's such a special treat! When the weather is nice, they love to curl up in the yard at night and star gaze with a large cup of hot chocolate. When the weather is cold and snowy, they love to warm up with a cup! The problem is, they tend to fight over silly things, like who gets which cup. Whether they want a particular mug, or a certain color, it drives me insane to have them argue over which cup they get! However, Keep Reading...
{FREE} Gumball Estimation Activity!
We've been having some fun exploring measurement and estimation around here lately. Estimation is an important math concept that I think is often overlooked or glazed over, but it's an invaluable real life skill. Not only is it helpful in all sorts of real life situations to be able to estimate sizes, costs, and amounts, but it is also helpful as students get into higher level math. After spending a significant amount of time working out an Keep Reading...
Mummy Math: Halloween Estimation and Measurement!
Believe it or not, Halloween is just around the corner! To get my kids excited and seize the opportunity to get outside and enjoy some beautiful Fall weather, we decided to try a little experiment. It all started with a simple enough question: "How many squares of toilet paper do you think it would take to wrap you up like a mummy?" Challenge accepted. Learn how we turned this fun and silly activity into an afternoon full of Mummy Math with a Keep Reading...
FREE Apples Equivalent Fractions Matching Game!
Understanding fractions is such a tricky thing. But if you are looking for a fun and quiet game for kids to work on reviewing fractions on their own, try this fun and easy matching game! This Apples Equivalent Fractions Matching Game is easy to prep, and can be used as a math center, independent practice, or with a small group! *Please Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and help support the work of this site. Read our Keep Reading...
FREE Pigs Will Be Pigs Money Lessons!
There may not be any math topic that is more relevant to our everyday life than that of money. It's essential that we teach our kids to add and subtract money, to use it wisely and understand how to handle their money! The book Pigs Will Be Pigs by Amy Axelrod is an excellent introduction to money for kids and helps them understand not only how to add money, but also to realize that it is finite. These Pigs will Be Pigs money lessons are intended Keep Reading...
