If you are unfamiliar with the CRA model for learning math, read on! Today's post is all about helping our students acquire multiplication facts in a research-based way that will cement true understanding. So often we push memorization--and that IS our EVENTUAL goal! In order for us to get there, we need to slow down and build understanding from the ground up. Concrete Modeling In order ... Read the Post
Providing Computation Practice Without Sacrificing Rigor or Engagement
Developing a deep understanding of different math operations and estimation is essential...but we want students to be fluent with computation too, right? Students NEED computation practice--whether they use concept-based strategies or a standard algorithm. We also know that piling on worksheets isn't the best option. Students need a variety of experiences to do "computation practice" where the ... Read the Post
Teaching Multiplication and More: Using Multiplication Math Sorts
So...as you may know, using math concept sorts is one of my absolute favorite strategies to get students thinking and talking about math. I often used them sporadically in my units....sometimes as a "kick off" to see what they know...sometimes in the middle...sometimes as a review. Today I thought I'd use one of my sorts that we didn't get to earlier as a great test prep review of ... Read the Post
The importance of concrete models: Multiplication Arrays
We are moving into our mini-unit on factors, multiples, prime numbers, and factoring--SO much vocabulary and such complicated ideas for students who may or may not be secure with their multiplication facts. To really try to help students "SEE" the concepts, I believe super strongly in using concrete models. OK. Chocolate models--let's be honest. Seriously though...I really want my ... Read the Post
Candy, Prime Numbers, and Conjectures!
One thing that is a HUGE part of our curriculum in fourth grade involves multiplication concepts--facts, large number multiplication, measurement conversions, patterns, and more. Although my students had a LOT of exposure to multiplication concepts and facts in third grade, every year I feel it is worth my time to go back and make sure we are clear on a few things--like the ... Read the Post
Math Concept Sorts: Multiplication Concepts
Helping my students organize their thinking and learning in different ways is very important to me. As I started our multiplication concepts work, I knew I needed to dig in and get to know my students and their understanding. One method I have found to be very successful is to ask students to take work samples or problem types and sort them into categories. People who use Words Their Way do this ... Read the Post
Professional Learning Overload Day 1
So as some of you know, I am spending the first four days of this week at level 2 training for Math Recovery. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Math Recovery, I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. If you are unfamiliar with it, CLICK HERE to get a little more information. I don't work for them or get anything for this post--I just feel very strongly about what they are doing ... Read the Post