One of the math concepts that I have seen students struggle with the most, and yet seems so simple at first glance, is absolute value. It often seems that the only thing students ever "get" from an absolute value lesson is this: absolute value = make it positive. That is NOT, however, the definition of absolute value, and therefore, becomes the cause of much confusion as students try to apply and use absolute value in more complicated problems. Keep Reading...
“Build a Turkey” Number Sense Activity {FREE Printable}
I recently shared this number sense activity from Creative Family Fun. I love this simple activity because it gets kids thinking outside the box, and forming connections between number representations, place value and more. As I thought about ways to do this with my kids, I thought it would be fun to do something similar with a "Thanksgiving" twist! This "Build a Turkey" number sense activity is great because it allows kids to be creative, and Keep Reading...
How Much Does a Pumpkin Cost? {FREE Algebra Lesson!}
For many students, the transition from math computations in the upper elementary grades to Algebra is a challenge. Suddenly, they are having to write mathematical equations and use symbols and letters rather than just numbers. (Although hopefully they have at least been introduced to some of these things prior to formal Algebra). One way to help students ease the transition and make sense of it all is by looking at real and meaningful examples. Keep Reading...
5 Things You Should Never Say to the Child Who Struggles with Math
It can often be hard and frustrating trying to teach a child who struggles with math. No matter what you do or how you teach a concept, they just seem to fight to grasp the concepts. I know that in those moments it can be easy to lose patience, or join them in their frustrations, but in the long run, saying the following when they are frustrated or struggling will not help them. Here are some common things you should never say to the child who Keep Reading...
FREE Pigs Will Be Pigs Money Lessons!
There may not be any math topic that is more relevant to our everyday life than that of money. It's essential that we teach our kids to add and subtract money, to use it wisely and understand how to handle their money! The book Pigs Will Be Pigs by Amy Axelrod is an excellent introduction to money for kids and helps them understand not only how to add money, but also to realize that it is finite. These Pigs will Be Pigs money lessons are intended Keep Reading...
Exploring Triangles with “The Greedy Triangle!”
The Greedy Triangle, by Marilyn Burns, is a great way to introduce shapes to young kids. It explores various shapes and gives copious examples of shapes in the world around us, and gave us a great starting place for exploring triangles! In addition, it provides an important character lesson: be content with who you are! Or as Dr. Seuss put it, Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." *Please Keep Reading...
7 Tips for Easing Back Into a Homeschool Routine
It’s that time of year again: Back to School! Unless you homeschool year round, you are probably gearing up for a new year (or have already started!). And while I enjoyed some Summer travels, as well as the many lazy days, late nights and relaxed mornings, Fall is nearly upon us and it’s time to get back to the structure and accountability of school. And I’m excited about that! I was not, however, ready to jump right back into a daily, structured Keep Reading...
Math Twister! {A Fun Indoor Math Game!}
I don't know about you, but we have seen an inordinate amount of rain around here! And while it has been great for the trees and the flowers, it has not been quite as great for these stir crazy kids! Not to worry, though, because I came up with a math game that kept them busy AND wore them out, all while practicing important math facts! *Please Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and help support the work of this site. Keep Reading...
First Grade Homeschool Curriculum Choices
I love seeing what curriculum and schedules other people use to home educate their children. I like to get different perspectives, and maybe learn about some resources that I've not yet heard of! And so I thought I would share our plan for the upcoming school year, in case anyone else is interested. :) **But please know, these are the choices that seemed to be the best fit for our family (and they may change as the year progresses, who Keep Reading...
Taking Charge of My Mornings: Juggling Life’s Demands
Photo Credit: russelljsmith via Compfight cc {text added} As a homeschool mom of four kids, my days are very busy, and sometimes quite chaotic. But for some reason, I seem to give the impression that I "have it altogether," or that this whole stay-at-home, homeschooling mom thing comes naturally. And so I get asked rather frequently, "How in the world do you keep up with everything and get it all done??" Well, the short, and completely Keep Reading...
