How to Teach Adding Like Fractions Using the CRA Method
When I first started teaching, I assumed that teaching students adding like fractions would be a breeze. After all, you just add the numerators and keep the denominator the same—simple,…
How to Teach Multiplying Fractions so Students Actually Understand
When I first started teaching, I thought that teaching how to multiply fractions would be super easy. Walk in the park level easy. All you have to do is multiply…
5 Ways to Use Guided Math Notes in 4th and 5th Grade
Do your students forget math strategies from earlier in the school year? Do your students’ parents want to help with homework, but don’t know how to? Do you run out…
5 Math Books for Teachers to Read this Summer
It’s finally summer! Which means it’s time to relax, kick your feet up, and take some well-deserved rest. I’m all for spending the majority of your summer recouping your energy…
How to Teach Multi Digit Multiplication so Your Students Actually Get It
When I first started teaching, I thought that teaching multi digit multiplication would be super easy. All you have to do is follow a few steps in the multiplication standard…
How to Teach Place Value to the Millions
Do your 4th and 5th graders still get confused with place value concepts? Do they look at you like you have 3 heads if you ask them to write a…
Math Workshop Series: Small Groups and Centers
This post is the fourth part of a series on using math workshop in your classroom. To read how to get started with math workshop, click here. In this post,…
3 Reasons Teachers Should Attend a Virtual Conference
There is one good thing that has come out of 2020--an increase in how many virtual conference options are offered! Like me, I'll bet you're often limited in how many…
Getting to Know Your Math Standards
You may have read the title and thought "I've taught 5th grade for years, of course I know my standards." Even a seasoned teacher can benefit from taking some time…
Using Base-10 Blocks to Build Number Sense
Building number sense is one of the most important jobs of the elementary math teacher! If students don't build a solid number sense in elementary school, they will often struggle…