Why Area Model Multiplication Should be a Staple in your Curriculum.
While some upper elementary students I have taught find multiplying larger numbers using the standard method effective, for others it can cause a lot of confusion! What is that placeholder zero all about? Why am I carrying over numbers? I’m sure you’ve had to answer these questions before! Using an area model method gives many […]
Division Box Method
The long division box method (or long division area model) is a systematic technique that I think is gaining more popularity when teaching long division. It’s certainly one of the methods I use. It involves breaking down numbers from the dividend into their place values. The divisor sequentially divides into each place. Any remainders from […]
Mastering Metric Conversions: Tips and Strategies for 4th Grade Math Teachers
Introduction One aspect that remains constant is the metric system. Understanding and converting metric measures within the same system is an essential skill that our students need to become proficient in early in their educational journey. As an upper elementary math teacher, you play a crucial role in equipping your students with this skill. In […]
Creating a Comprehensive Math Intervention Tool Kit: Must-have Math Manipulatives
As an educator dedicated to supporting students with math difficulties, I find that hands-on learning tools and math manipulatives can make all the difference in driving progress. That’s why I have a math intervention tool kit that contains essential items, ready to use for individual or group lessons or RTI math programs. I wholeheartedly recommend […]
Strategies and Activities for Comparing and Ordering Whole Numbers in Upper Elementary
In this blog article, we explore the reasons why students need to compare and order whole numbers and the teaching strategies you can use to help students master this skill. You will also find quick starter activity suggestions for your class. Why is comparing and ordering numbers an important math skill? Comparing and ordering multi-digit […]
12 Upper Elementary Math Starters for Engaging Students
Starter activities or math icebreakers are so important in my lessons. I think I may enjoy them as much, if not more, than the students! I believe they are a really effective way of engaging and motivating students from the beginning, creating a positive mindset, building community and the opportunity to revisit prior learning. Below […]
Halloween Math Activities for the 4th Grade Classroom
As an experienced teacher, I know first-hand how challenging it can be to come up with fresh and engaging Halloween math activities. I think Halloween brings some additional challenges to the upper elementary classroom: Challenges It’s a time of year that I’ve generally covered the four operations and place value and so I focus Halloween […]
Raise Achievement in Math Using Error Analysis
Error Analysis as a Math Activity Error analysis math questions give teachers an opportunity to discover the overall understanding of a math concept and help students reflect. I have always believed that error analysis for upper elementary math is an incredibly important part of improving and learning. These activities are about discovery and a way […]
How to Build Strong Place Value Skills
Why is place value important? Building place value skills is essential in math. I often find that those learners with a solid foundation in place value are more confident in math in general and, when working with struggling learners, it is usually the first area of math I assess and I often find there are […]