How to Teach Money to 2nd Graders Let’s be honest — teaching money can feel like one of those lessons that should be simple… but never quite is. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to teach counting coins in a way that actually sticks, you’re not alone. The truth is, understanding money takes time,…
You’ve modeled, you’ve practiced, you’ve even broken out the base ten blocks — but somehow, 23 + 48 still sends your kids into full “guess-and-check” mode. That’s where teaching adding strategies (the right way) changes everything. When students learn multiple addition strategies — like base ten blocks, open number lines, and break-apart they’re not just…
If you’ve ever tried teaching 2-digit addition and subtraction only to be met with blank stares, you know the struggle is real. That’s where jumping on a number line comes in. It’s a simple, visual way to help students “see” addition and subtraction rather than just memorizing steps. And the best part? Once they learn…
Teaching Patriot Day: A Meaningful and Kid-Appropriate Approach to September 11th If I’m being honest, teaching about September 11th has always been difficult for me. I lived through it, and I still remember waking up that morning, watching as the TV in my house was on nonstop, showing the towers falling live. It was emotional,…
What to Do in the First Week of School (That is Fun & Easy!) The first week of school in 1st or 2nd grade is such a magical time – but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting. You’re meeting new students, teaching expectations, organizing supplies, and putting out a hundred fires before lunch. That’s why…
Back to School Science for 1st & 2nd Grade The first week of school is full of routines, read-alouds, and getting-to-know-you games. But when it comes to planning your back to school science block, you might find yourself staring at your planner wondering, What exactly do I teach right now? You’re not alone. Science often…
Let’s face it—classroom routines are the backbone of a smooth-running school day. From how students enter the room to what they do after they finish an activity, elementary classroom procedures help maintain order, ensure expectations are clear, and set students up for success. But here’s the thing: Establishing these procedures can feel overwhelming at the…
FUN Measurement! Say it with me – Math should be FUN! Measurement is the perfect topic to include engaging, hands-on activities that get students excited about learning. Plus, it’s a real-world skill that kids will use for life! By incorporating fun measurement tasks students will build strong skills while having a blast. If you’re looking…
Break Apart Strategy in Math Do your students struggle with adding and subtracting 2-digit and 3-digit numbers? The break apart strategy can make math easier and lead students to add and subtract mentally. Here we’ll explain why the break apart method is effective and how to best teach the strategy in addition and subtraction. What…