Solving word problems is an essential part of elementary math, but so often we fail to give students the tools needed to be successful. One strategy to help is to do a word problem "boot camp" to get them off on the right foot! Here's what I mean. We know students have been solving problems since kindergarten (we hope!), but often in the primary grades, we don't showcase different strategies ... Read the Post
Comparison Problems with Tape Diagrams/Strip Diagrams
Comparison Problems: Using Tape Diagrams to Represent Math Thinking Word problems are a key part of rigorous standards everywhere, but teachers and students alike often dread tackling them. Even textbooks sometimes save them for the bottom few problems on a page or a separate lesson toward the end of a chapter. The thing is--word problems (at least good ones!) are the "real world" part of ... Read the Post
Open-Ended Math Tasks: The Benefits
Open-Ended Math Tasks! Are you using enough rich math tasks in your class? Check out this post with a ton of reasons (OK, TWELVE of them!) why we should be incorporating more of these open-ended problem-solving experiences. Check out all the amazing things we can accomplish with them! Gets students tackling problems that have more than one solution So often we give students problems where ... Read the Post
Seasonal Word Problems: Classroom Uses
We all know that word problems and problem solving are key components of ANY quality math program. Today I want to share how using seasonal word problems can be a quick and easy way to keep things fresh and engaging in your classroom! Because every math series or curriculum is different and paced differently, there is no room for "seasonal" real-world problems. I wanted to have a collection ... Read the Post
Algebraic Thinking Activities: Fun with Monster Math
We don't celebrate Halloween at my school, but we DO like to have a little fun. There are so many cute monster books out there--so I like to do some "monster work" in the fall! I haven't had any monster MATH until now! Check out these great ways to teach algebraic thinking and problem solving with a fun monster theme! Monster Math with a Purpose What was my goal? To get students thinking ... Read the Post
End of Year Word Problems and Problem Solving Tips
We all know that students are hard to "engage" at this time of year--so asking them to solve end of year word problems seems unrealistic, right? WRONG! When we create math problems related to topics students care about--they are FAR more likely to engage. I love doing problem solving at the end of the year because it's the perfect time to apply all those Standards for Mathematical Practice. ... Read the Post
Teaching Patterns and Patterning in Upper Grades
Why Teach Patterns? "Patterning" is something that has typically been a focus of primary classrooms. Pass by any kindergarten or first grade room early in the school year and you can expect to see SOME sort of patterning work happening. The simple truth is that we sometimes forget WHY we get our youngest students thinking in terms of patterns. We NEED students to be able to recognize and ... Read the Post
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