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...
We Have to Give Them Homework?!
The issue and numerous questions surrounding homework assignments always plagued me as a teacher. I tried many different approaches, especially as my student population changed, but I still struggled to figure out what the “right” approach was. When I was teaching disadvantaged students in a public school setting, I almost never gave them homework. I knew that for many, the home situation was rocky and their brains would not be able to engage Keep Reading...
10 Things Every Good Mathematician Should Do
Everyone can be a mathematician. Every student can succeed at math! But not every student walks into class already knowing how to think like a mathematician, problem solve and think logically. So here is a list of ten things every student can learn to do and practice as they tackle math problems to become a better mathematician (and better problem solver!). This list is not my own, it is actually from a poster I used to have hanging in my Keep Reading...
The Importance of Math Vocabulary
Some of the most common errors I have seen teaching algebra occur because students simply cannot accurately "translate" words into mathematical models, or because they do not understand math "jargon" such as evaluate or simplify. I think this problem could easily be avoided, however, if one or two days were spent focusing on these skills. We cannot expect students to walk into class with a clear understanding of "math words" if they were never Keep Reading...
Quadratic Equations Project (with FREE printables!)
One of the best ways to really learn something so that it sticks with you is to teach it to someone else. Giving students a project that gets them thinking through a mathematical process and allows them to express their creative side is always a win-win! The following example involves solving quadratic equations. A skill in Algebra that, while important, can very easily become boring and meaningless. And while I believe it is always helpful Keep Reading...
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