Looking for extra practice with solving equations for your pre-algebra or algebra students this summer? This set of silly summer riddles is a great way to get in targeted review of solving 1-step, 2-step and multi-step equations. One of the biggest skills students learn as they prepare for and take algebra is solving equations. In other words, find the value of a variable that makes the equations true. When students first begin, I often see Keep Reading...
Linear Equations Puzzles: Free Practice Set
Do your students need some extra practice with solving linear equations? This free set of printable linear equations puzzles is a fun challenge that you can use year after year. Confidently solving linear equations is one of biggest goals of the early Algebra years. And because of that, it is something that often requires a lot of practice and review. This simple set of linear equations puzzles provides a unique way for middle or high school Keep Reading...
Easter Peeps: Add & Subtract Integers Game {FREE}
Give your kids some fun, Easter themed math with this set of Easter Peeps Integers Game! This is a fun and easy way to practice adding & subtracting integers. Looking for a simple and fun way to practice integer operations? These adorable Easter Peeps Matching Cards can be used for a variety of games to help kids practice adding and subtracting integers. And this can be a fun and easy way to take a break from your normal math Keep Reading...
Writing Algebraic Expressions: FREE Practice Pages
Grab this print and go set of worksheets for some quick and easy writing algebraic expressions practice! Includes 3 pages plus answer keys! My teaching career has been focused in elementary school. But with the decision to homeschool my children, I'm now getting to teach some middle school subjects. My oldest started a sixth-grade math book this year. I'll be honest: there have been a few problems I've really had to think through and use Keep Reading...
{FREE} Factoring Polynomials Practice: Cut & Paste Pages
Factoring polynomials is such an essential, foundational skill in Algebra. As students move on to more advanced concepts and even into higher levels of math study, they will still need to factor to solve all sorts of problems. So building a strong foundation and providing lots and lots of practice is the key. So today I'm sharing a really easy and low-prep way to provide extra factoring polynomials practice using some simple cut & paste Keep Reading...
Fun Thanksgiving Math & Logic Puzzles {FREE}
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...
