Equivalent Fractions fractions Feb 15, 2024

One of the most important concepts for students to master when working with fractions is that of equivalent fractions. Being able to recognize and create equivalent fractions is a skill that is utilized at almost every level of mathematics. 

Third graders begin exploring equivalent fractions...

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How to Use Fraction Strips fractions Jan 25, 2024

Fraction strips are probably the most well-known and used fractions manipulative in math classrooms far and wide.  They provide a concrete way to model fraction notation, partitioning, equivalency, magnitude and more.  Research has shown time and time again that using fraction strips to...

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What Are Fraction Strips? fractions Jan 18, 2024

When a child first begins to count, they immediately begin to be encouraged by their adults to count a multitude of things: fingers, blocks, claps, steps etc.  Associating a number with a specific quantity is the very cornerstone of number sense.  So much so that if you peek inside any...

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Best Tips & Tricks for Fractions Homework fractions math success Jan 10, 2024

When it comes to working with fractions, you can never have enough tricks up your sleeve.  Whether it is a way to help your students remember the correct order of several steps to solve a confusing problem, or just a trick that provides a less complicated way of doing things, we’ve got...

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Building Fraction Sense fractions Dec 11, 2023

For many students in late elementary school, the return from winter break will kick off a different kind of season: Fraction Season! Fractions are mission critical for success in late elementary, middle and high school math but are often a source of frustration and confusion for students,...

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Math Tips & Strategies for Students with IEPs math success Nov 29, 2023

Students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that includes a goal in the area of math need more support as well as understanding from the people in their lives that have the potential to impact their learning and progress the most: their grade level teacher, their special education...

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Math Skill Builders for Off-Schedule Days math success Nov 15, 2023

This stretch of the school year between Halloween and Christmas is filled with exciting days for kids, with more fun and less work as time is made for classroom parties and activities. As a teacher these days can be exhausting and if I’m honest, a little frustrating.  Not because...

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Should Parents Help with Math Homework? math success Oct 25, 2023

I think we can all agree that math homework is important.  The time that teachers have in a math class period is constrained.  Just trying to take attendance, work in some kind of bellringer for review (which is also important) and check homework eats up a significant amount of class....

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Make the Most of the Middle: Review & Preview math success Oct 18, 2023

By this point in the school year, most everyone has reached or is approaching the end of the first nine weeks of the school year.   The report card grades will soon be coming in and It's a good time to congratulate your student(s) on the skills they mastered and also reflect on what skills...

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The Power of Parent Teacher Conferences math success Oct 12, 2023

It’s that time of the school year again where the official end to the first nine weeks is here and more than likely you have received instructions from your child’s teacher for options to set up a parent teacher conference.  I’ve noticed lots of questions and comments from...

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Paper or Pixels? Using Both for Maximum Math Learning math success Oct 04, 2023

The digital age is in full force in schools across the country as students are more frequently completing and turning in assignments online rather than with paper and pencil.  Despite the nature of math being a show your work subject, it is not an exception to the online shift currently...

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What is Spiral Review? math success Sep 13, 2023

As an adult, have you ever looked at a math problem and thought, I know I learned how to do this in school, BUT I can’t remember how to do it now!? We all have been there!  This happens not only in math, but also in other subject areas and in tasks we encounter in life.  There is...

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