I distinctly remember the week in 7th grade pre-algebra that was spent learning and (supposedly) understanding the distributive property. I remember this week so vividly because, for some reason, it made NO sense to me. None. At. All. Eventually I understood what it meant, and how to use it and apply it in the wonderful world of Algebra and solving equations and working with expressions. But I never forgot how confusing and nonsensical it Keep Reading...
Weekly Math Freebie Round Up!
Welcome to the weekly math freebie round up here at Math Geek Mama! Every week I share the best math teaching resources, always FREE! Hope you find something useful! :) Kindergarten-2nd: Want a fun and easy way for your kids to practice telling time? Try this super easy print and play game from The Measured Mom! {I actually used this just yesterday at my Summer Math Camp and it was a hit! More details coming soon!} Perfect for summer, Keep Reading...
Weekly Math Freebie Round Up!
Happy 4th of July and welcome to the weekly round up of some of the best math teaching resources around the web! I try to find games, activities and teaching resources that will make math fun and engaging, no matter what grade you teach! I hope you find something useful! Kindergarten-2nd: I love this cute activity form Primary Inspiration to work on sums of ten! It's easy to put together and could be used for lots of things! Count Keep Reading...
{FREE} System of Equations Logic Puzzles!
The subject of systems of linear equations is very intimidating to most students. Especially if they have struggled to solve a single equation! It doesn't have to be scary though. I would introduce systems of equations with simple and fun puzzle challenges to ease kids in. System of Equations Activity: To help show my students that systems of equations are not all that scary, and actually quite doable, I would start by giving them a Keep Reading...
The King’s Chessboard Problem {Free Printables!}
Today's math story problem is a classic problem that is seen in the book: The King's Chessboard by David Birch Similar to The Lion's Share, this classic folktale teaches important lessons on character and the dangers of pride, while also presenting a fascinating mathematical problem. When a King forces the wise man to choose a reward for his service, the man says he simply wants one grain of rice for the first square on the chessboard, then Keep Reading...
Integer Practice: Fun {Free!} Math Game!
Looking for a simple and fun way to practice integer operations? These adorable Peeps Matching Cards can be used for a variety of games to help kids practice adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers. *Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.* Could your students use some extra practice adding and subtracting integers this spring? This Easter Peeps themed 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...
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...
