The hardest part about Building Thinking Classrooms is finding the tasks when you want to spice it up a bit! In this episode, I'm walking you through how I approach coming up with ideas for tasks! Want the task I talked about? You can get the 2nd Grade Cash Out Task here! K and 1st Grade versions are below.Any podcast episodes you want me to make?Let me know in this Google Form!Helpful LinksBlog PostBTC Free TaskBTC Starter PackKindergarten Task Bundle1st Grade Task Bundle2nd Grade Task BundleLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
Since you seemed to enjoy Math Games for Morning Meeting, this is a companion episode, not a math specific episode but helpful to create a respectful community so that all our academic work and be more successful! I'm going over packing up routines, closing circle routines, and how kids leave the classroom during dismissal.Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form!Helpful LinksLet's Connect! InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
Truth. Kids don't need addition and subtraction symbols to do addition and subtraction symbols. But when they do, give them a little…spice.Today we’re talking about how to give those squiggles meaning!Any podcast episodes you want me to make?Let me know in this Google Form!Helpful LinksBlog PostAddition and Subtraction LessonsLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
Subtraction games can be tricker than addition because we don’t want students working with negative numbers in Kindergarten or First grade! This episode shares 5 print-and-play math games you can use in your classroom tomorrow!Your students will practice math facts, writing equations, working independently and with partners, freeing you to circulate or work with small groups!Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!Timestamps1:06 - Spin and Subtract2:15 - Spin, Roll, and Color3:14 - Build, Roll, and Break4:00 - Spin, Roll, and Remove4:32 - Jump AroundHelpful LinksBlog PostGet the Games!Addition and Subtraction Games BundleLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
I love a good game to have kids learning and practicing math! The applause my students give when in math center time is music to my ears!These addition games are pretty simple and don't include a lot of varied directions, perfect to free you up to circulate the room if you need to or pull students one one-on-one or in a small group because they're engaged in these fast-paced games that are accessible to them and easy to differentiate.Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!Timestamps1:14 - Spin and Add1:46 - Roll A Two-Color Tower2:57 - Ladybug Addition3:41 - Add Them Up4:46 - SevensHelpful LinksBlog PostGet the Games!Addition and Subtraction Games BundleSpinnersDice StickersLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
Sometimes you have the perfect lesson and crickets. Or… most of your students get it, but there are a handful who don’t. What do you do for them?In this episode, I’m sharing tips to help your struggling mathematicians!Any podcast episodes you want me to make?Let me know in this Google Form!Helpful LinksBlog PostYouTube VideoLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
As teachers, it's our job to be the ones doing the “teaching” but there is a lot we can learn from our students too! Far beyond the most recent slang or trending dance on social media!Today I shared 4 things my students remind me of all the time!Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form!Let's Connect! InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
We know that differentiation is good for kids…but who has the time? These differentiation methods are quick and easy to implement in the classroom! You can see all of these ideas and differentiated centers on the blog!Are there any podcast episodes you want me to make?Let me know in this Google Form!Helpful LinksDice Game Sampler FreebiePick Build and Cover 10 FramesNumber Rack, Rekenrek Differentiated CentersSpin and BuildPattern Block Roll, Count, and Cover10 Frame DiceD & D DiceYouTube VideoLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
In this episode, I share some hands-on array math centers and a Building Thinking Classrooms Math Task involving arrays and unknown factors!Big kids love centers too!Get a free repeated addition task! Escaping Ants!Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!Helpful LinksBlog PostYouTube VideoArray Bundle!Roll an ArrayPick and Build ArraysSpin, Multipliy and Find the ArrayEmpty The Board MultiplicationArray Bake Sale TaskLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
Do your 10 Frame centers need a refresh? In this episode, I share 10 plus warm-ups, math stations, and print-and-go activities involving 10 frames! If you want to know more about the benefits of 10 frames you can check out episode 30, All About 10 Frames!Helpful LinksBlog PostAll the Activities
This week we are talking all about 10 frames! Ten frames are a math tool that can help students develop anchors to 5 and 10 which are important pre-place value skills! I levels of the concept of 10, and 5 frame, 10 frame, and 20 or double ten frame activities you can use in your classroom today!Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful LinksBlog PostGet All the ActivitiesQuick Images 5, 10, 20 FramesPick, Build, CoverSpin and BuildRoll and Write 10 FramesTime Stamps0:37 What is a 10 Frame?1:52 Levels of Concept of 104:03 Activities with 10 FramesLet's Connect! InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
Morning meeting is a great way to connect with your students and build a classroom community. There are times when you just play to play, but if you want to sneak in some math in the morning meeting, I have versatile 5 games for you to do just that!Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Time Stamps1:00 In-and-Out Dance-A-Thon2:33 What Number Am I Writing3:52 Team Building5:52 Catch My Pattern6:47 What’s My NumberHelpful LinksBlog Post Let's Connect! InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
Do you find your students are making the same mistakes over and over again? Using a worked-out example is a great way to have your students discuss different problem-solving strategies and techniques and helps them apply what they have learned to new problems! Learn about different worked examples and the impact they can have!Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!Time Stamps1:50 Fading Examples2:44 Prompting Self Explanation5:05 Comparing Examples7:22 Which Type Do I Use8:30 Conclusions Helpful LinksBlog PostArticleLet's Connect! InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
Are you looking for some math ideas for the 100th day of school? In this episode, I break down my favorite STEAM activities for the 100th day that your students will love! Every year, I get multiple student requests to keep the “centers” for math workshop because they enjoyed it so much!Whether you take one idea or the whole bundle, these ideas are sure to be a hit with your students!Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!
Do you have a 100’s chart collecting dust up on your wall? I did too but it was a mistake! The 100s chart is a great tool for developing number sense! In this episode, I get into games you can play with the 100s chart, problem-solving tasks, hands-on math center, no prep math centers, and more all with the 100 and 120 charts!Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!TimestampsMy history with the 100’s Chart2:40 100’s Chart Morning Meeting and Group Games5:43 Problem Solving With the 100 Chart6:28 100 Chart Centers and Activities8:08 Bonus!Helpful LinksBlog PostYouTube Video100 Chart Thief FreebieChoral Counting Blog PostChoral Counting Podcast Episode100 Chart Spin and Fill100 Chart Puzzle Worksheets100 Chart Fill in the Chart WorksheetsLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
If you are looking for some recommendations of places to look to increase your knowledge of math pedagogy, center ideas, and more this episode is for you! I share with you how I first got my hands on a professional development book that I actually used and some others if you are looking to take your math knowledge to the next level.Math can be a subject a lot of people don't feel comfortable teaching or learning and these books can give you the background and confidence to continue your journey as an amazing math teacher!Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!Helpful Links/Time Stamps4:05 Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics Pre-K-2/ Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics 3-55:15 Math Recovery Series7:15 Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain8:00 Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics9:10 Juli DixonCulturally Responsive Teaching and Building Thinking Classrooms Crossover EpisodeLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
We all have off days, but sometimes your students are just not participating the way you would like in math and problem-solving. In this episode, I am sharing some tips you can try to help boost participation in your classroom!Time Stamps0:56 Non-Curricular Tasks2:25 When in doubt, theme it out!2:55 Ask questions3:50 Give them a Job6:00 Mistakes Help Our Brains GrowHelpful Links4 Non-Curricular Tasks Starter PackGingerbread Man TaskHalloween TaskBlog PostYouTube VideoNRICH.org Task My mistake task!Please fill out the Google Form if you have episodes you’d like to hear from me!Let's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
This episode comes from this YouTube video so you can see the games in action! Though some prefer to listen than watch!Your students may know their numbers to 20 in the figurative counter stage, but can they use them? In this video, you will learn 4 games you can play with your students to help them develop more sophisticated counting strategies. These games are perfect for students who are past the tricky teens and are starting to work on addition. Since the numbers are small, they can feel confident in their ability to answer, begin to solve problems, and develop a sense of how numbers work together!Helpful LinksHow Many Candies?Roll or Spin and Count OnHide and AddHide and Count On!(partner game):✨Save on the Figurative Counting - Counting On BundleSee the Games in Action in this YouTube Video!Looking for More Information about the counting stages? Get the presentation slides for free here! Let's Connect! InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
If your students aren't available for learning, it doesn't matter how perfect your lesson is. In today's episode, I’m talking about Trauma Informed Practice and implementing mindfulness in the classroom. I’m giving you practical tips, examples, and a peek into the importance of a trauma-informed classroom.Thank you to all of you who attended my Making Math Moment Talk I had a blast!This will be the last episode of 2023, fill out the Google Form if you have episodes you’d like to hear from me! I’ll catch you in 2024!Time Stamps1:00 My start with Trauma Informed Practice3:40 Creating a Trauma-Informed Classroom (Infographic)5:00 Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, Zones of Regulation8:00 Implementing Mindfulness10:00 Examples of Mindfulness Activities/ Breathing Techniques13:58 Calm Down Corner/Peace Corner/ Relaxation StationHelpful LinksMindfulness CardsVideosFall-Hamilton Elementary: Transitioning to Trauma-Informed Practices to Support Learning.The Mindful Teacher YouTubeSnoop Dogg AffirmationsYogaplaoozaCosmic Kids YogaMoovleeLet's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel
Get my complete counting stages presentation slides!In this episode, I am giving you a sneak peek into the sessions I have my eye on in the Making Math Moments Virtual Summit. I’m looking at sessions on✅Closing a Building Thinking Classrooms Math Lesson✅Culturally Responsive Math Education✅Math Play✅ Children's books for math problems✅Coding!There are so many amazing sessions, register to get in on this amazing opportunity!Any podcast episodes you want me to make?Let me know in this Google Form!Helpful LinksRegister Here!Let's Connect!InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel