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
Looking for ideas or reasons to read in math class? Learn why this is such a powerful tool to learn & explore math and find math picture book resources to get started. I will never forget my first day in my Reading Across the Curriculum class as part of my graduate studies. 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 Keep Reading...
Time For Spring! {FREE Telling Time Practice Worksheets!}
Are you ready for spring?? I know we are here at our house! To celebrate the coming warm weather and all the blessings of spring, I've put together some fun, spring themed worksheets to work on telling time! I've been working on telling time with my daughter, so I created these to work on skills with her and thought you might enjoy them too! This set includes a page for telling the correct time to solve a spring-themed riddle, a page to 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...
Alcumus Online Learning {A Review}
I recently stumbled upon an online resource that looked useful, especially since it is completely free. It’s from the people at Art of Problem Solving and this particular resource is called Alcumus. I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since I haven’t used any other AoPS materials, and I do not have the curriculum that it is meant to complement. But after playing with it and experimenting, I am happy to say that it seems to be an Keep Reading...
5 Tips to ROCK ACT or SAT Math!
Preparing for such a lengthy and cumbersome test such as the ACT (or SAT) can be daunting, especially if you are preparing for your first attempt. It can be overwhelming and scary, but it doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of ways to make sure you go in ready to do your absolute best, and come out with a fantastic math score! Here are some excellent tips to succeed at ACT or SAT math. *Please Note: Some of the links in this post are 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...
Help Kids Make Sense of Algebra Vocabulary: FREE Guided Notes
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...
