Math Grades K-2

Addition/Subtraction Triangle Fact Cards

mathsmartspd April 21st, 2020 Math, Math Grades K-2 1569 0

https://youtu.be/bfB0F5elm58 This video shows how Triangle Fact cards can be used to build quick recall with addition and related subtraction facts. These cards take the place of traditional flash cards, and help students see fact families and related facts which…

Solving with Multiple Methods

mathsmartspd August 1st, 2017 Math Grades 3-5, Math Grades 6-8, Math Grades K-2 3279 8

If you are familiar with the Common Core Progressions documents, you may recognize the name Bill McCallum. He is a Common Core Standards author as well as an author of the Progressions. He frequently posts to the site Common Core…

Reboot Your Regrouping Reteach!

mathsmartspd May 2nd, 2017 Math Grades K-2 2700 3

What is the one math concept that you still feel students have not quiet mastered in second grade? "Regrouping," you say. Well before you pull another small group to line up place values and regroup to the tens, consider rebooting…

Math Journaling in Kindergarten

mathsmartspd May 1st, 2017 Math Grades K-2 2100 1

Check out this video on using Math Journal in Kindergarten as a tool for informal formative assessment!

Building Math Talk

mathsmartspd April 14th, 2017 Math Grades K-2 2087 1

As part of the Standards for Mathematical Practice, students should be able to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Check out the video below to think about how the Same or Different task can be used in…

Assessing Mathematical Fluency

mathsmartspd April 14th, 2017 Math Grades 3-5, Math Grades K-2 4424 2

It is the end of the school year. You've spent time and energy teaching various math concepts so that your students have a conceptual understanding of content. Students in your class have explored foundations of operations using concrete models and…

Stop Perpetuating Math Anxiety

mathsmartspd April 14th, 2017 Math, Math Grades 3-5, Math Grades K-2, Uncategorized 2049 1

“Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics; I assure you that mine are greater.” – Albert Einstein Are teachers increasing students’ anxiety levels in mathematics, especially as state testing approaches? Teachers may very well be swelling the negative feelings…

Subitizing and Shapes

mathsmartspd April 13th, 2017 Math Grades K-2, Uncategorized 2870 2

Check out this video by Graham Fletcher on connecting subtizing and geometry! https://gfletchy.com/fresh-ideas/

Using 5 frames to build fluency

mathsmartspd April 13th, 2017 Math Grades K-2, Uncategorized 11294 3

By the end of Kindergarten, students are required to fluently add and subtract within 5. Throughout the year, students have built conceptual understanding of addition and subtraction through joining and separating situations. They've also have ample experience working with Five…

1st grade HCTM Problem of the Month Winner February Edition!

mathsmartspd April 4th, 2017 Math Grades K-2 1341 2

Congratulations to the 1st grade winner of the Problem of the Month competition for February! The winner is Abigail from Gitlin/Shepard classroom at Trapnell Elementary.

13 rules that expire in Math!

mathsmartspd April 4th, 2017 Math Grades 3-5, Math Grades 6-8, Math Grades K-2 2917 1

Have you ever heard someone say, "When you multiply, your product is always greater than your factors", "When you divide, your quotient is always less than your dividend and divisor." Are these statements always true? Are we inadvertently teaching misconceptions…

How Does Teacher Language Affect Student Learning?

mathsmartspd March 30th, 2017 Math Grades 3-5, Math Grades 6-8, Math Grades K-2 1774 2

Quick, but interesting read on how our descriptions and language used to describe student learning and goals could potentially affect student learning. For instance, when we describe a certain skill as a "3rd grade skill" or say "a 4th grader…

Joining and separating….using actions to understand addition and subtraction

mathsmartspd March 30th, 2017 Math Grades K-2, Uncategorized 4236 3

According to MAFS.K.OA.1.1, students in kindergarten are required to, "Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds (e.g., claps), acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations." They are also required to, "Solve addition and subtraction word…

Make a Ten Card Game

mathsmartspd March 28th, 2017 Math Grades K-2, Uncategorized 5907 3

MAFS.K.OA.1.4, states that, "For any number from 1 to 9, find the number that makes 10 when added to the given number, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record the answer with a drawing or equation." A fun game…

Using real world math to build an understanding of addition and subtraction concepts!

mathsmartspd March 1st, 2017 Math Grades 3-5, Math Grades K-2 1550 2

Students are naturally inquisitive and observant! Why not use these characteristics to teach new concepts! One-way to utilize students problem solving abilities is through Three-Act-Tasks. Three-Act-Tasks allows students to draw on their natural noticing’s and wonderings! The Three-Act-Tasks consist of:…

Progression of Addition and Subtraction

mathsmartspd February 24th, 2017 Math Grades K-2 3252 3

The Progression of Addition and Subtraction is a wildly discussed topic in elementary schools. It is important that we do not rush students' understanding of the operations. Learning should be anchored in the foundational understanding of joining and separating situations,…

Progression of Fractional Understanding

mathsmartspd February 24th, 2017 Math, Math Grades 3-5, Math Grades K-2 1623 2

I won't say too much here, because the time reading this could be better spent watching the video. :) However, keep in mind, no matter what grade you are teaching, you are providing students with key fractional knowledge in their…

Teach for Understanding

mathsmartspd February 11th, 2017 Math Grades K-2 1620 1

Check out this quick video on teaching concepts through concrete and pictorial models to increase understanding.

Depth of Knowledge Matrix for Elementary Mathematics

mathsmartspd February 9th, 2017 Math, Math Grades 3-5, Math Grades K-2 4151 1

You may have read our earlier post "FSA-Preparing for Context Complexities" about the connection between Webb's Depth of Knowledge complexity levels and the FSA. This post alluded to the importance of taking the complexity levels of standards into consideration when…

1st Grade HCTM Problem of The Month February Edition!

mathsmartspd February 3rd, 2017 Math Grades K-2 1384 1

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