I have so enjoyed working through our February math problem of the day calendar with my daughter! She has enjoyed doing a problem each day and we've had fun talking about the date and learning a little from the calendar as well. And I was astonished at the amazing response from readers! I am so glad that so many others are finding this idea to be a fun and easy way to start the day with math! So today I'm sharing the March Math Problem of the Day Keep Reading...
“Build a Snowman” Place Value Activity {FREE!}
My kids are super ready and excited for a winter full of snow. They are determined to go sledding (our yard is very hilly) and build a fantastic snowman. The only problem? It's been in the 60s and 70s all December. Maybe things will change come January, but for now this silly snowman themed place value activity will have to do! This fun and low prep freebie will help kids explore place value as well as the expanded form of numbers! *Please Keep Reading...
Simple Trick to End the Frustration With Subtraction Regrouping
One math concept that often stumps students is subtracting with borrowing (or regrouping-whatever you'd like to call it). There are lots of concrete and hands-on ways to teach this concept so that it makes sense to kids, rather than expecting them to memorize a procedure. In the past, I have used base ten blocks or dimes and pennies as a model, which worked well, and I highly recommend teaching this in a conceptual way when introducing it to Keep Reading...
Exploring Numbers With Magazine Cutouts
As I shared recently, I'm focusing on the numbers 1-20 (especially 11-20) with both of my kids right now. I want to help them see and understand the numbers as 10 + ___, rather than simply memorizing the names. I also want them to be able to order and compare these numbers. After spending some time working on place value and "building" the numbers 11-20, I used this fun and incredibly simple lesson to practice working with these numbers. Keep Reading...
Building the Numbers 11-20 {Free Printables!}
After spending quite a bit of time exploring the numbers 1-10 (through counting, number bonds, and subtraction), I am now focusing on the numbers 11-20. Though my daughter can recognize and name the numbers, she does not really understand what they represent (i.e. she does not yet understand place value). To help reinforce the fact that the numbers 11-20 are equivalent to 10 + ____, I've created some fun printable pages to model these numbers Keep Reading...
Decorate a Christmas Tree! {Number Sense Activity}
I recently wrote about a fun and simple way to increase number sense and help kids think creatively about numbers. The "Build a Turkey" Number Sense lesson was so popular that I made a similar activity for Christmas! I was so excited to create this activity, I went a little overboard purchasing Christmas clipart. So if you like this, be sure to check back throughout December for more Christmas learning activities and printables! This Christmas Keep Reading...
Equal or Not Equal? THAT is the Question!
In mathematics, an equation is a math sentence that shows two expressions that are equal. Understanding that these two expressions must stay equal is foundational as kids begin to learn Algebra. It is also important and useful as kids begin to write proofs or solve more difficult problems, because sometimes an expression is not written in a convenient way. But re-writing it in a way that is still equal (i.e. doesn't change the problem) is an 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...
Weekly Math Freebie Round-Up!
Welcome to the weekly round up of math teaching freebies here at Math Geek Mama! Every week I share the best FREE math teaching ideas and resources so you can make math fun and engaging for your students! Have a freebie to share? Send me a link! Kindergarten-2nd Grade: There are two cute Fall freebies in this post, including one to work on greater than and less than! This is great hands-on practice that can be used again and again (and Keep Reading...
Weekly Math Freebies Round Up!
Welcome to the weekly round up of FREE math teaching resources! Every week I share the best teaching materials, games and ideas that I find so that you can make math fun and meaningful! See all the past collections here! Kindergarten-2nd Grade: I love this place value pack from Smiling and Shining in Second Grade! It has 5 different pages of place value problems and comparing large numbers. I'll definitely be using this when my Keep Reading...
