It's division time--and I am always shocked at how students freak out about division...and how much "harder" it is than multiplication. I always promise them that I can make it easier for them! I posted a picture on Instagram the other day and I had a bunch of requests for more details on the "Herding Game"! To begin, I wanted students to really understand the idea that multiplication ... Read the Post
3 Formative Assessment Tips: Coaching Misconceptions in Math
One thing I know to be true... Most struggling students do not do their best learning during large group instruction. Sometimes, even small group instruction isn't enough. Some students just need coaching--pure and simple. Of course, we can't do one on one instruction for 25 students every day. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. But we can ... Read the Post
Teaching the Concept of Division and Remainders
As I did my division planning for math last week, I really spent some time thinking about how we rush, rush, rush to get through our curriculum sometimes. In fact, I think having a math SERIES makes it so much worse. We start to think of teaching math as teaching lessons and chapters and units instead of teaching math concepts. I cringe when I hear teachers say, "What lesson are you on?" It ... Read the Post
The Herding Game: Introducing Division Concepts
So, it's that time of year when I have to introduce division concepts to my students. Some have had some experience and understand the idea of "sharing" that accompanies division. Others even understand the relationship between multiplication and division. To make sure the others had an introduction to the concept, I played "The Herding Game" that I taught my class last year because it ... Read the Post
Introducing Division Concepts!
Today is my day to post over on All Things Upper Elementary, and today I am writing about how I got my students engaged in division--and how I related it to multiplication. I wanted to come up with an activity that would be a good introduction for my entire class and could also set the stage for some small group work later with my students who struggle. It worked out pretty well, so I'd love ... Read the Post
A Remainder of One–and a Kiss or Two!
We continued our division studies by reading and sharing the following book: If you aren't familiar with it, it is a cute tale that follows an insect "army" as they try to parade before the queen. They have 25 soldiers, and no matter how many rows they make, poor Joe always ends up a remainder which displeased her royal highness! Fortunately--the book DOES have a happy ending! I ... Read the Post
Division + Cookies = Mathematical Thinking!
Well, after the fun of "The Doorbell Rang", I thought it might be kind of fun to continue with our cookie studies! I asked a few families if they would be willing to donate a bag of cookies to the class and two rose to the occasion. I wasn't QUITE sure what I was going to do with them, but I knew the kids would love using food as a motivator--we don't do it too often! However, ... Read the Post