How to Teach Adding and Subtracting Integers so Students Understand
Teaching integer operations is one of my favorite topics. Really getting students to develop a conceptual understanding of integer addition and subtraction is key for many of the future topics they will learn. That is why I do not tell students to memorize integer operation rules. Instead I want them to experience working with integers and realize the rules as they go.
Fraction Visuals that Build Understanding of Fraction Concepts
When I surveyed over two thousand math teachers asking about their students’ understanding of fractions, over 75% reported that their students either really struggled or had lots of gaps in understanding. If your students struggle with fractions, you are not alone! Fraction topics are often taught in upper elementary through 6th grade, but fraction concepts continue to affect students’ success with math through high school and beyond.
I have gathered a couple of my favorite visuals that help students really grasp the meaning of fractions and how to operate with them. These are visuals you can use whether you are teaching fractions to your students for the first time or if you are helping correct misunderstandings. Visuals help students gain a conceptual understanding of math so that it makes sense.
Helping Students Embrace Challenges in Math Class
Getting students to really embrace challenges in math is a challenge! So often we get the message that struggle is a bad thing, something to avoid. However, struggle is a necessary part of learning, especially in math.
Math teachers who possess these 3 core values are prepared to genuinely help students embrace challenges in math.
Winter Bulletin Boards and Classroom Door Decorations
Winter is a great time to give classroom decoration, bulletin boards, and door decoration a refresh (especially if they haven’t been changed yet this year)! These classroom decorations ideas include inspiration with winter theme decor, Christmas, and the New Year! The kits make decorating easy… just download, print, cut, and hang! The sizing is already figured out for you. Many of these are interactive with components for students to decorate as well.
Teaching Adding and Subtracting Integers with Real-World Context
Let’s talk about adding and subtracting integers, one of my favorite topics! I want to give you some ideas for making it engaging and helping students truly understand what they’re doing.
Talking Isn’t Teaching: Helping Students Truly Learn Math
One of the hardest shifts as a math teacher is stepping back and giving students space to think. We want to help. We want to explain, but often, our talking takes away the chance for them to wrestle with the math. Here are five practical ways to reduce teacher talk and increase student learning time.
Building Math Fluency in Middle School
No matter what the grade level, the one common issue I hear from math teachers is kids' lack of fluency. When students lack math fluency, it makes every concept more difficult, and it hurts their confidence. While most teachers see fluency as a problem, many teachers aren’t sure what to do to solve this problem in middle school or later. I’m going to share some resources and solutions that will help your students build math fluency.
Math Manipulatives for Elementary, Middle, and High School Students that You Can Print!
Manipulatives have the power to make math come to life! They make math concepts tangible and accessible to students. Whenever we have the chance to make math lessons hands-on, they instantly become more engaging and meaningful.
In middle and high school, manipulatives are less common than elementary school. However, they are appropriate for all grade levels and all abilities. A common misconception is that manipulatives are only needed in early grades or for students who struggle. Let’s bust that myth! Manipulatives encourage deeper thinking and sense-making. Instead of following procedures without thinking, we can use manipulatives to help students reason and make sense of the math.