*This post contains affiliate links, which support the work of this site. Feel free to read our full disclosure policy here.* Math is one of those subjects that strikes fear in the hearts of students everywhere. It is a four letter word that dare not be uttered. As a teacher, I often got complaints about the difficulty of this crazy subject that made no sense. Math was supposed to be about numbers, and yet here were all these letters-x,y, even i Keep Reading...
Sometimes Quality is More Important than Quantity
Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks via Compfight cc {text added} When I was student teaching, one of the classes I taught in was an honors 8th grade pre-algebra class. It was a fun group, and I really enjoyed working with that teacher, but the thing that sticks out the most is the day we spent the entire class period working on one problem. Yup, forty-five minutes, one problem. At the time, I was shocked that the teacher would spend so Keep Reading...
5 Tips to Teach Math with Confidence
So far, I have successfully taught one out of four of my children to read. While that is incredibly encouraging and exciting, I was definitely not confident and sure of myself when we first started on this journey! I’m a math teacher. I don’t know anything about teaching reading! What I have realized, however, is that for many homeschooling moms, it’s just the opposite. The thought of teaching your kids math is terrifying. Maybe you were never 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! Maybe I'm drawn to Keep Reading...
4 Reasons Teaching Math Vocabulary is Vital
Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks via Compfight cc (Text added) There were many reasons why I opted to major in mathematics rather than history, art history, or English (although let’s be honest…I never really considered majoring in English.). One of the main reasons, however? Math doesn’t require reading and writing. Just numbers and problem solving. That was my thinking anyway, as I jumped into my freshman year. And to some extent, I Keep Reading...
Problem Solving by Solving an Easier Problem
One of the most important things students should be learning in math class is not some specific, useful math topic or skill, but how to problem solve. Math is not easy! If students understand that math is hard, and requires thinking and practicing, they will be less likely to give up at the first sign of trouble. If students understand that it’s ok to wrestle with a problem for a little while, and maybe even make some mistakes first, they won’t Keep Reading...
5 Reasons to Read in Math Class
Photo Credit: Risen1 via Compfight cc I will never forget my first day in my Reading Across the Curriculum masters class. The goal and purpose of the class was to learn how to integrate reading and good books into any and all classrooms. As a future math teacher, I scoffed at this frustrating requirement. "This is great. This class will be relevant to everyone but me. How unfair! How unnecessary!" I would complain. And then the class began. Keep Reading...
Math Myths Debunked: Math is Just a Set of Rules to Memorize
I’ve heard this myth in various forms from various people all my life. I’m sure you have too! And I’m sure in some classrooms {unfortunately} there is truth to it. But it doesn’t have to be this way! What is this math myth? “Math is just a boring set of rules and formulas to memorize.” Let me let you in on a little secret: Math is NOT just rules and formulas! And Math should not be learned (and I would argue cannot be learned in a Keep Reading...
Math Myths DEBUNKED: There is NO Such Thing as a Math Person!
I’ve heard the cop out from students and parents alike. The excuse that’s given and accepted as truth before a student even sets foot inside my classroom. As if there is some specific, genetic trait that has simply been lost to them. There is therefore no hope, so they shrug it off and just hope to goodness I am nice enough to let them pass. “I'll never catch on or do well. I’m just not a math person.” Well, I have news for you! Keep Reading...
Fun New Resource: Kidoku by Krazy Dad
How do you provide time for mathematical thinking, logic and problem solving outside of the textbook? How can we encourage students to think logically and problem solve, rather than simply memorizing facts? There are always ways to encourage higher order thinking in the math classroom, and I love it when I find resources that can encourage this kind of logical reasoning with my kindergartener! :) This week I have discovered a fun twist on Keep Reading...
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