Guided Math is a structure for your math block that allows teachers to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students. Similar to Guided Reading, the teacher puts students into small groups based on their ability and teaches the curriculum standards. It’s our job as educators to try and help all of our students succeed by providing targeted instruction… Read More
All About Guided Math
5 Tips for Returning After Winter Break
The second half of the school year is almost here and I’m sure there will be some challenges. Coming back after winter break can be hard. It’s almost like the first day of school all over again. Most of your students probably experienced a lot less structure in their days. Here are six simple tips for easing them back into their school schedule…. Read More
Addition with Regrouping Strategies
Addition with regrouping is a very difficult concept for students to learn. They need a solid foundation in place value in order to comprehend the concept. Without a strong sense of place value, regrouping will be difficult for them. It is often asked why we teach things differently from the way we grew up. The answer is simple. We need to… Read More
8 Books for Teaching Shapes
Your students are learning all about geometry and shapes. One of the best ways to teach about 2 and 3 dimensional shapes is through mentor texts. Try some of these books for teaching shapes to share with your primary students this year! This post contains affiliate links. You can see my disclosure here. Books for Teaching 2D Shapes Mice on Ice by Eleanor… Read More
Writing Prompts: 9 Ways to Use Them in your Classroom
Writing is such an important skill to develop in primary grades. Your learners are beginning to learn the writing process from brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing. Coming up with different writing topics can be time consuming, but I put together a year’s worth of writing prompts to make sure your students can write all year long. Here are… Read More
Guided Math Activity Guide
Many teachers love using small groups for guided math, but dread the preparation and work involved in getting it all set up, tying activities to standards, and making sure to differentiate. Have no fear! There is a simple (yet comprehensive) guide to show you how to get started with guided math. What is the small group math activity guide all… Read More
Comparing and Ordering Numbers Activities
Comparing and ordering numbers require a deep understanding of place value, which students will develop as they are exposed to multiple representations of numbers. Understanding numbers doesn’t have to be boring. Here are ten comparing and ordering number activities your kids will love. Comparing Numbers Anchor Chart At the beginning of our understanding numbers unit, I always make this anchor… Read More
Addition Game: Race to Twenty
I’m always looking for easy to implement games for students to practice math fact fluency. This simple addition game is not only fun, but it adds an element of risk that makes each turn exciting! Race to Twenty is a quick game that provides practice for estimation an addition practice are built into each turn! Materials Race to Twenty is… Read More
5 Ways to Integrate Movement into Learning
If you look at old pictures of classrooms, students are seated in rows of desks and attentively listening to the teacher. That’s no longer an effective way of teaching! (Was it ever?) It’s so important to integrate movement into learning. Movement helps keep your students engaged in what they are learning whether they are studying math, science, or language arts!… Read More
8 Books for Teaching Place Value
Second grade is the perfect time to learn place value. Teaching place value helps students understand what a number is worth and positions of numbers in ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, and more! Understanding the values of numbers helps students learn basic math skills, number sense, and the value of money. Check out these place value books for second grade to… Read More
