One of the most important concepts introduced in pre-algebra (or algebra) is integer operations. I can distinctly remember learning "the rules" and fun little tricks to remember them. But I also remember wondering why in the world subtracting a negative means you add! So when I saw this method to introduce adding and subtracting integers, I knew I had to try it. *Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which help support the work of Keep Reading...
Investigating Exponent Properties {FREE Lesson!}
Many of the topics covered in Pre-Algebra or Algebra are taught as "rules," "properties," or "formulas" to be memorized. And while it is definitely helpful to have certain properties or formulas memorized, I think it is much more important that these Algebra facts be taught in a way that is logical and makes sense, rather than simply telling students "This is true. Now use it correctly." If you let students explore and discover math truths on Keep Reading...
Pi Day Sing Along {FREE Printable!}
Get ready fellow math geeks, "Pi Day" is almost here! The day to celebrate the wonderfully simple and yet, at the same time complex, number pi. And of course, a fantastic excuse to PARTY! :) I'm so excited to help you prepare, and want to share a fun resource that can be used with kids of all ages! This Pi Day Sing Along has been recently updated, and now includes two pages of goofy math songs! *Please Note: This post contains affiliate Keep Reading...
Exploring Surface Area of Pyramids and Cones!
As promised, I have another surface area lesson to share today! This builds on students' previous knowledge from the prisms and cylinders lesson to get them thinking about other three dimensional shapes: pyramids and cones. This FREE surface area of pyramids and cones investigation is a sure way to get kids thinking and better understanding area. It is also a fun, hands-on way to help them form a conceptual understanding, rather than trying to Keep Reading...
Exploring Surface Area: Hands-On Lesson!
One topic that I believe is too often rushed through, whether in pre-algebra or geometry, is the surface area of three dimensional objects. Because it is often seen as an "easy" topic where students are expected to simply "plug the numbers into the formula," it can be easy to say, "Here's the formula, GO." And while this may work for some students, especially students who have a strong foundation in geometry vocabulary and a strong understanding Keep Reading...
Skittles Count and Compare! {FREE Printable Pack}
As kids begin to learn their numbers and count and understand cardinality (the number of items in a set), they will then be able to compare things. This becomes evident early on if you have more than one child, because they are quick to notice if brother or sister "has more than me!" While serving as referee in those sibling squabbles over more or less is not fun, this is an important math concept to master! And it starts with hands-on visuals 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...
Weekly Math Freebie Round-Up!
Welcome to my weekly round up of math freebies from around the web! I hope you find something useful! If not, let me know, I'll try to point you in the right direction! :) Kindergarten-2nd: Check out this post from Pink Polka Dots and Pre-K! She shares 5 different counting practice freebies including the frames above and some cute puzzles! Get some extra practice with place value with this cute activity from The Groovy Keep Reading...
Sir Cumference Lesson! {Euler’s Law}
There are so many benefits to reading and engaging with math stories. But I think students will get even more out of the story if the learning doesn't stop once the last page is read. Therefore, I have been creating activities to go along with some of my favorite math books! (If you missed the activities for Math Curse by Jon Scieszka, be sure to check it out!). Honestly, I love all the Sir Cumference books by Cindy Neuschwander. They are Keep Reading...
Exploring Volume: FREE Lesson!
To continue with my study of 3-D shapes, I have created a lesson to begin exploring volume. Like surface area, this is something that is often rushed through, and students are told to just "plug it into the formula." But I have seen this lead to many unnecessary mistakes because students never actually understand where the formula comes from, and therefore they end up "plugging in" the wrong things. Understanding WHY the formula for prisms Keep Reading...
