Do you DREAD the last days of school? I mean really dread them? Schedules run amuck. Students dream of running through sprinklers, sleeping in, and homework-free days. You’ve run out of curriculum and are exhausted from end-of-year testing. You just want the year to be over with, not because you don’t love and adore your kids, but because of the chaos those last days bring. The reality is that your year is not over with. You have FIVE. MORE. DAYS. OF. SCHOOL. Not five ... continue reading...
Numberless Math Word Problems: A Strategy that Works!
When you think of teaching your students how to solve math word problems with the unknown in ALL positions, do you panic just a bit? Or maybe a lot? I know my first reaction is, "Oh, pleeeeeease give me a cup of coffee, or a frappuccino for a sugar boost, this is going to be one loooong day! It's true, solving math word problems can be very challenging for students because they are expected to identify the type of word problem it is (join, separate, ... continue reading...
What Are Number Talks?
What are Number Talks? And why should we do them? Well... Have you ever noticed a student solving a problem such as “20 – 19” like this? In the first situation the student used an algorithm correctly, but why? What was the need? In this case, they used an algorithm unnecessarily. In the second situation the student demonstrated an over-reliance on an algorithm they did not understand. What’s worse is that in both situations the students were not thinking about ... continue reading...
Number Talks – A Lesson in Action
Are you curious about Number Talks and want to see a Number Talk Lesson in action? If so, we've got you covered. Number Talks are short, powerful activities that can significantly increase your students’ mathematical understanding, while at the same time build computational fluency. If you read our last post, What Are Number Talks?, you know that Number Talks can be a powerful way to build mathematical thinking in your students. They are highly engaging ... continue reading...
Number Talks: Silent Signals to Increase Student Engagement
Imagine observing your classroom of learners during a number talk lesson. You see thumbs up and fingers extended. You see partners place a fist to their chest after sharing their thinking with one another. You see children rocking their funny-shaped hands back and forth gently. You see hands raised and eager faces. You even see fists with pinkies sticking up. What does all this mean? Well, it means your students are involved in the lesson. They are thinking! They are participating! Yes, ... continue reading...