Ahh, that day before Thanksgiving break. Classes are short, so there's no time to give a test, but you're about to go on break (and you know kids won't be reviewing math) so you can't teach something new. How can you plan your time so it's not wasted?? How about some fun, yet challenging Thanksgiving math puzzles? This set of logic and Sudoku puzzles will help your kids work on their logic and critical thinking skills. *Please Note: This Keep Reading...
Midpoint Formula Activity {FREE Hands-On Lesson}
When I was a classroom teacher, the one thing I hated was trying to teach basic formulas. In most textbooks, this consists of stating the formula, telling students to memorize it, then showing them how to "plug in" all the necessary information. I don't like this approach because it doesn't give students any ownership over their learning. Plus, it usually means learning it for a day, then forgetting it. That's not the end result I'm going for. Keep Reading...
Graphing Systems of Equations Activity {FREE}
I always loved finding a variety of ways to introduce, teach and explore systems of equations. It can seem like a daunting, overwhelming concept when students first hear it, but I think it's so fun and interesting! And solving systems certainly doesn't have to be as difficult or scary as kids think it is. What I love about this systems of equations activity, is that students get to explore graphing and solving systems in a non-threatening way, as Keep Reading...
Multiplying Large Numbers with a Table: Building Number Sense
I remember the first time that I was introduced to using tables for multiplying large numbers, division and more. Prior to that, my experience with tables included reading them, interpreting them, and graphing them. Pretty straight forward stuff that most Algebra students experience. Yet here I was, in a class for math teachers, looking at a table that was clearly written by a 2nd grader. I don't mean to say that the handwriting was so bad Keep Reading...
How to Use Doodle Notes to Explore Absolute Value
As student attention spans get shorter and shorter, teaching for long-term retention becomes more challenging. Students groan at the thought of taking notes and listening to a lecture, and yet in math class, it is inevitable that there will be some direct instruction each time we introduce a new concept. Today I want to introduce you to a new method of note taking, and provide a free sample to explore absolute value with your Keep Reading...
Christmas Algebra Riddles: Systems of Linear Equations {FREE}
Well, I can hardly believe it, but today is the LAST freebie in my "12 Days of Christmas" math printables series! I hope you've enjoyed the free math resources I've shared, and can incorporate them into your math plans this December. Today, I'm sharing another set of silly Christmas riddles, but these practice pages focus on solving systems of linear equations. When I taught Algebra, this was one of my favorite topics to teach. I loved exploring Keep Reading...
Christmas Algebra Riddles: Solving Linear Equations {FREE}
I'm excited to share the newest math freebie in my "12 Days of Christmas" printables series! If you've missed the rest, no worries! They're not going anywhere and you can still get all 12 free math resources. Yay! But if you're looking specifically for Algebra ideas, then you're in the right place. Today I'm sharing some simple, low prep Algebra practice to work on solving linear equations. (And stay tuned for more Christmas themed Algebra Keep Reading...
Christmas Graphing Challenge: Graphing Linear Equations
If you teach Pre-Algebra or Algebra, then I have a fun Christmas themed freebie for you today! One skill that is so important in early Algebra is graphing linear equations. I spent a lot of time as a teacher trying to help kids recognize that the graph is a picture of what the equation represents. It's just another way to represent the information. So to help kids understand the connections between a table, an equation and the graph of a line Keep Reading...
Christmas Equations: Algebra Skills Activity {FREE}
Welcome to Day 9 in my "12 Days of Christmas" math series! I love creating fun, holiday themed math lessons, worksheets and games, and I hope that today's activity provides a fun Christmas challenge for your students! Use this set of Christmas equations in a number of different ways depending on the age of your kids. This easy to use Christmas equations worksheet is a great way to get kids thinking outside of the box, using their problem solving Keep Reading...
Fall Leaves Sort: Slope Activity {FREE}
One of the concepts that can prove most vexing for Algebra students in understanding the slope of a line. What does that mean? What does it look like? There are a lot of different ways to approach it, and thinking about slope lots of different ways can help students make sense of it. One way that I like to help deepen students' understanding (of any concept, really) is by comparing and sorting. This easy to use slope activity requires kids to Keep Reading...
