Let’s talk daily spiral review – the instructional math routine that completely changed my 2nd grade classroom (and what you need to make sure it works!): A few years ago, I had a frustrating realization. My students were completing their daily math warm-ups. They were doing the work. They were filling out the worksheets. And…
Let’s talk… What Is Spiral Review?: You taught the lesson. Your students practiced. They passed the chapter test. Then three weeks later, you put a similar problem in front of them and suddenly it felt like they had never seen it before. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. This is one of the biggest…
Teaching subtraction can be surprisingly challenging, especially once regrouping enters the picture. Here’s the truth: 2 digit subtraction strategies can feel deceptively tricky. Students can breeze through the simple problems and feel confident, but the second you introduce regrouping, everything changes. Suddenly place value disappears, subtraction feels confusing, and some kids start treating the worksheet…
If you have ever taught addition and thought, “They get it during the lesson… then forget it the second I stop holding their hand,” you are not alone. That is exactly why I swear by place value strategy addition instead of jumping straight into the standard algorithm. Because when students actually understand how numbers work,…
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…
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…