Our whole-group math lessons happen every day for 8-12 minutes after we talk numbers and before small-groups and math centers. These short, intentional lessons help anchor our learning, set the ...
Blog
Winter Art Projects
Winter is a special time in the classroom. We are beginning to see the fruits of our hard work and holiday goodness is in full tilt. As teachers, we have the chance to embrace the season and give our ...
Teaching a Combination Class
Split class? Combination class? Multi-age class? Whatever you call it, this year I welcomed a new challenge! Transitioning from a 1st grade classroom to a K/1 classroom 5 weeks into the school year, ...
Building Number Sense with Rekenreks
As math teachers of littles we know our students need hands-on concrete experiences as mathematicians. Being able to quickly solve an addition or subtraction problem only comes after dozens of ...
Using EPIC for Listening to Reading
Using EPIC for Listening to Reading Research repeatedly says the more words students interact with and are exposed to the better readers they will become. The benefit of using a Daily 5 structure for ...
Growth Mindset: The Power of Yet
Growth Mindset: The Power of Yet Recently my 1st grade classroom has morphed into a K/1 combination classroom and then resulted in HUGE gaps (academically, socially, & emotionally) between my ...
The Perfect Classroom Storage Container
The Perfect Storage Container Organization is music to a teacher's soul. When things in our classroom have a designated home, students take better care of the resources, we know exactly where to find ...
Math Read Alouds
"Do you do any whole-group during your guided math block??" The answer is, "Absolutely, yes." Our math mini-lessons happen every day for 8-12 minutes and help anchor our learning, set the ...
Math Tools You Can Make At Home
Dice, subitizing cards, center tubs, number lines – oh my! Our 1st grade math routines require so many resources and manipulatives. While Donors Choose, Go Fund Me accounts, and school funds are great ...
Guided Math: Must-Have Math Materials
Guided Math is a structure for organizing your math block that involves mini-lessons, targeted small-group instruction, and opportunities for spiral review through math workshop. Like guided reading, ...
Using Photographs for Math Mini-Lessons
When math mini-lessons turn into mega-lessons and your small-groups seem dull, photograph-based stories are the perfect way to 'hook' learners and connect your learning to the real-world! Today I'm ...
Connect 4 as a Math Center
Teaching 1st grade, I feel like I am always looking for simple centers that are easy to differentiate. Using a Guided Math model for instruction, we use A LOT of centers every school year. I love ...