I'm a fairly new homeschool mom. We will soon be wrapping up our second year of homeschooling. While in some ways I feel like I've learned a lot and have grown in my confidence, there are other things that remind me I still have a lot to learn. (Maybe I'll have it all figured out by the time the fourth child starts school, haha!) The biggest thing I have failed to do well is focus on handwriting with my kindergartener and first grader. Because Keep Reading...
St. Patrick’s Day Math Pack {K-1}
There are so many fun celebrations in March as we look froward to Spring and warm weather. For younger kids, it's especially fun to celebrate Dr. Seuss and his many lovable characters. And of course as math geeks, it's essential to celebrate Pi Day (which also happens to be Einstein's birthday!). Then we celebrate St. Patrick's Day with shamrocks and pots of gold and all things green. Because my kids love themed lessons (and because I'm not Keep Reading...
March Math Problem of the Day Calendar
I have so enjoyed working through our February math problem of the day calendar with my daughter! She has enjoyed doing a problem each day and we've had fun talking about the date and learning a little from the calendar as well. And I was astonished at the amazing response from readers! I am so glad that so many others are finding this idea to be a fun and easy way to start the day with math! So today I'm sharing the March Math Problem of the Day Keep Reading...
Spring Themed Logic Puzzles {FREE!}
We've had a few days with beautiful weather recently (although at the moment the ground is covered with snow...) and it has made me completely ready for Spring! As I've been thinking about what kinds of resources to create and share in the coming months, I realized that I have not made any logic puzzles recently. These Spring themed logic puzzles are great for upper elementary kids on up, and provide a fun challenge as they begin to use algebraic Keep Reading...
Making Absolute Value Clear (With FREE Printables!)
One of the math concepts that I have seen students struggle with the most, and yet seems so simple at first glance, is absolute value. It often seems that the only thing students ever "get" from an absolute value lesson is this: absolute value = make it positive. That is NOT, however, the definition of absolute value, and therefore, becomes the cause of much confusion as students try to apply and use absolute value in more complicated problems. Keep Reading...
Building the Numbers 11-20 {Free Printables!}
After spending quite a bit of time exploring the numbers 1-10 (through counting, number bonds, and subtraction), I am now focusing on the numbers 11-20. Though my daughter can recognize and name the numbers, she does not really understand what they represent (i.e. she does not yet understand place value). To help reinforce the fact that the numbers 11-20 are equivalent to 10 + ____, I've created some fun printable pages to model these numbers Keep Reading...
“2×2=BOO!” Hands-On Multiplication Fun!
Multiplication is an incredibly important math concept for young mathematicians. It can aid in counting and problem solving, as well as helping kids increase their number sense and pattern recognition. When you are trying to teach multiplication, however, there are about a million different ways to approach it. Rather than trying to find the best method, why not give kids all different kinds of opportunities to see and make sense of Keep Reading...
Exploring Patterns in Pascal’s Triangle {FREE Printables!}
When I taught Algebra, there were lots of ways I loved to explore patterns with kids and help them make the connection between a number pattern, a table, a graph and an equation. One way we did that was by looking at fractals. Another really fun way to explore, play with numbers and see patterns is in Pascal's Triangle. The pattern known as Pascal's Triangle is constructed by starting with the number one at the "top" or the triangle, and Keep Reading...
Disney Math: Recognizing Numbers with Cars!
I'm SO excited to share our last "Disney Math" activity, because that means we are ready to go to Disney World! I've had so much fun looking for ways to incorporate Disney fun into our homeschool day, and my kids have really enjoyed it too! Today I'm sharing a simple activity that I was able to adapt to use with both my kids (kindergarten and first grade), to work on recognizing numbers with Cars. (Although we used Cars from the movie, any Keep Reading...
FREE “Sir Cumference and All the King’s Tens” Activities!
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE teaching math with engaging books? Well I do! And some of my favorite stories are the "Sir Cumference" books by Cindy Neuschwander! All of these books weave important math ideas into a story that captures kids' attention. Today, I'm sharing FREE Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens Activities, including an easy print and play place value game! *Please Note: Some of these links are affiliate links and help Keep Reading...
