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The Teacher Studio

Learning, thinking, creating

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Solving Word Problems…a Gradual Release Model

For many students, word problems and problem-solving strategies are the most difficult part of math instruction.  They can learn algorithms and procedures but struggle to independently make sense of problems and work through them.  So what can we, as teachers, do to help?  Let me walk you my thinking and see if there is anything that resonates with you! Gradual Release of Responsibility Model ... Read the Post

5 Ways to Make the End of the Year Even Better

Ready to catch my latest blog post over on Upper Elementary Snapshots?  Just click the image below to take you there right now! If you have followed me for any length of time, you know I am a believer in making learning fun.  The end of the year can be a stressful time for everyone, so let's take some steps to make it better!  This post gives 5 concrete ways to keep things interesting and ... Read the Post

Rigorous Math Problem Solving? Consider this!

We have all heard the word "rigorous" with regards to math instruction and math tasks.  What exactly IS math rigor and how can we encourage it? What does NCTM say? The National Council for the Teachers of Mathematics gives a few hints about this.  See what you think. Math tasks should require effort.  Consider exactly what that "just right" effort is--enough to challenge students with ... Read the Post

Problem Solving in the Real World!

Let's face it.  Sometimes students look at you while your teaching and you can read their minds. "Why in the world are we doing this?" And in their defense...when they are filling out worksheets or pages of a math workbook, it's easy to lose the "real world" in the math and focus instead on the answers in the boxes. Whenever humanly possible, I try to make math meaningful to my ... Read the Post

Back to School: January Activities That Keep Learning Meaningful

As we all finish up our winter breaks, it's time to face the harsh reality that not only do we need to head back to class after the new year, but we need January activities for our classroom that will engage our students.  We weren't the only ones "on vacation", but we can help our students ease back into the routines of school life. Students need to "relearn" how to focus on academic ... Read the Post

New Blog Design. 12 Days of Deals for You!

I hope you enjoy browsing my new blog design...and if you haven't signed up for my email list, I'd love to have you join to get the latest updates and special opportunities.  I'll start it off by offering you some amazing deals over the next few weeks to celebrate my new "look" and the upcoming holidays!  Just CLICK HERE to sign up!   This time of the year is challenging for ... Read the Post

Project Based Learning: How to Make It Work in Your Classroom

One question I get all the time is, "How do you work your thinker tasks into your daily instruction?".  Today I thought I'd share a little more about how I use these project-based learning experiences! First of all, if you haven't seen my "Thinker Task" collection, this video might give you a better sense of what they are and what they involve.  I hope you'll see the benefits of getting ... Read the Post