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
Addition Game: Race to Twenty
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
Formative Assessment Tools for Teachers
Formative assessments are not new to the teaching game, but they are a vital tool for teachers to check for understanding and student progress. They provide teachers with valuable information about students’ knowledge and skills, and allows them to adjust their instruction based on a student’s performance. Formative assessment is at the heart of responsive teaching, or “being in the… Read More
What Your New Students Hope You Know About Them
It’s that time of year again! Summer break is winding down, and the smells of sunscreen and chlorine will soon be replaced with those of freshly sharpened pencils You will soon be getting your room ready and getting your class lists – 20 or more names that will quickly become part of the fabric of your every day. Their bright,… Read More
10 Ways to Use Task Cards
Raise your hand if you’re looking for more ways to keep your students engaged in their learning? Task cards are the perfect way to get your kids up and moving. They are perfect for practice and review for any skill in any subject. What are Task Cards? Task cards are exactly how they sound. They are small cards that have… Read More
Interactive Word Walls
Word walls can be a powerful tool in any classroom. Several years ago I made the switch to an interactive word wall and never looked back. Let me tell you why. My first year of teaching I created this huge word wall display that took up an entire wall. I think I put less than 10 words up on it… Read More
7 Books for Teaching Kids How to Tell Time
Teaching kids how to tell time can be tricky! Incorporating literature into your math block is a great way to keep students engaged. Here are some great children’s books you can use to help teach kids how to tell time. I hope you can find the best book to teach time concepts. A Second, A Minute, a Week with Days… Read More
6 Vocabulary Games for Any Word List
Vocabulary instruction is so critical in today’s classroom! A strong foundation in vocabulary will help students to become better readers and writers. In part 5 of my vocabulary series, I am sharing some of my favorite vocabulary games to help maximize learning. In my previous posts, I have walked though Marzano’s Six Step Process for teaching vocabulary words. They are:… Read More
4 Activities for Applying Vocabulary Words in Writing
Hey there! Welcome back to part 4 of my vocabulary series where we are focusing on creating meaningful vocabulary instruction. In this series, I am walking though Marzano’s Six Step Process for teaching vocabulary. They are: Describe and Explain Restate and Explain in their OWN words. Create a Drawing Enrich and Explain their Knowledge (synonyms, antonyms, prefixes, etc…) Collaborate with… Read More
