Breaking Down Barriers: How to Teach Multi-Step Word Problems in 4th Grade
When I taught 4th grade, I quickly realized that multi-step word problems were one of the biggest challenges for my students. The moment they saw a long problem with multiple steps, many of them would freeze, unsure where to begin. It wasn’t that they didn’t understand the math itself. It was the process of applying […]
Engaging Ways to Practice Multiplication Facts in 3rd Grade
Multiplication facts are one of those essential skills that set the stage for so much of what comes next in math. Let’s be honest. Drilling facts with flashcards over and over isn’t exactly exciting for most kids. I do have good news, though! There are so many engaging ways to help our 3rd graders master […]
5 Simple Math Fluency Strategies for 2nd Grade Students
Math fluency is such an essential building block for our students, especially in 2nd grade. Add that to the list of things to teach, right? Sometimes it feels like our schedules are just too packed to fit in anything else. Between fitting in small group lessons, managing centers, and prepping for the next big concept, […]
The Best Morning Routine for Your Elementary Students
I thrive on consistency and a structured schedule. Knowing what’s expected of me helps me get into the right mindset each day. As I continue to grow as an effective teacher, I’ve learned that my students also benefit from this. They naturally crave those boundaries, even without directly expressing them. When they know what’s expected, […]
5 Engaging Elementary Activities For After Winter Break
I always look forward to those couple of weeks off for winter break. To make the transition back to school a little smoother, and so I can enjoy every minute of the break, I prepare activities for the first week in January before we leave in December. This way, returning to the classroom doesn’t feel […]
How to Teach Computational Fluency in Math
As teachers, we know that math is so much more than just numbers on a page. It’s about building confidence, fostering problem-solving skills, and helping our students see how patterns and logic can be awesome. One of the keys to making this happen is developing strong computational fluency with our students. What exactly does that […]