Do your kids see the connection between arithmetic and algebra? Build fluency with operations and problem solving skills with these engaging pattern puzzles for grades 3-5. Mathematics is often referred to as the science of patterns. Noticing patterns in numbers, operations and the world around us is what math is all about. So I love finding unique ways to practice looking for patterns with my kids. These triangle pattern puzzles introduce Keep Reading...
{FREE} Problem Solving Challenges based on “The Grapes of Math”
Want to encourage meaningful math talk and problem solving? Try these playful problem solving challenges based on the book The Grapes of Math by Greg Tang! One of my favorite books is the New York Times Bestseller, The Grapes Of Math by Greg Tang. This hilarious and interactive tale invites students to think outside the box to tackle wacky math riddles. Each challenge encourages new ways to see quantities and count objects. It invites kids to Keep Reading...
Multiplying Mixed Numbers Activity {FREE Puzzles}
To be completely honest, I used to dread it. Teaching multiplying mixed numbers by mixed numbers could become messy business. The steps were numerous, and one little mistake guarantees that the problem will be wrong. That all changed when I learned how to model multiplying mixed number by mixed numbers. This abstract concept now made sense to me, and I could help my children visualize it too. This once tedious process, became fun as we drew out Keep Reading...
Hands on Logic Puzzles for Kids!
I am so excited to share my newest resource with you today! If you're looking for a fun activity to keep your kids from being bored this summer, a simple activity for a math center in your classroom, or something to keep the kids busy on rainy days, you will love this book of hands on logic puzzles using pattern blocks! This book is jam packed with everything I could think of to make it a great learning experience for kids ages 4-9! *Please Keep Reading...
Cut and Paste Logic Puzzles for Preschoolers
My oldest were thrilled with this set of pattern block puzzles that I shared recently (get the entire ebook of puzzles here!) and so I decided to make a simpler version for my younger kiddos. These cut and paste logic puzzles are simpler (they are only 3x3 squares instead of 4x4) but still a fun way to get kids using their logical reasoning skills, and learning shapes and colors at the same time! Materials Needed for the Cut and Paste Logic Keep Reading...
Equation Search: Addition and Subtraction Practice
As my daughter gets close to finishing her first grade math curriculum, I'm trying to find fun and creative ways to review and practice math skills. Whether it's taking it outside with sidewalk chalk, or playing a game, I like to make it challenging, yet fun. So last week I created an "addition and subtraction equation search" to help her review and practice addition and subtraction with one and two digit numbers. This is great for kids in Keep Reading...
Pattern Block Puzzles {FREE}
I always have tons of ideas for activities and games to make math fun for my kids, but let's be honest. Sometimes I'm more excited about the activity than they are, and it turns into a huge flop. Recently, however, I created what I thought was a super simple resource to work on shapes and logic, and was blown away by the response from my kids. To the point that they are begging me to make more! I would definitely call that a win, and today I'm Keep Reading...
Weekly Math Freebies Round Up!
Welcome to the weekly round up of the best math teaching freebies from around the web! I try to share a variety of printable lessons and games for grades K-12, so I hope you find something useful! Kindergarten-2nd: I posted earlier this week about fun ways to use a hundreds chart, as well as some free hidden picture addition pages, so I was excited to find a couple more ideas! This post shows how you can very easily create puzzles to Keep Reading...
Counting Money Puzzles {FREE!}
Want to make sure your kids can count and add money? Grab this free set of counting money puzzles for a quick review, math center or early finisher game. One of the most important real life math skills kids learn is how to count and handle money. That's why I was so excited to share this fun resource! These counting money puzzles help kids work on adding money, recognizing the correct format for denoting money, as well as writing out numbers 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...
