Making learning fun
If you come from a generation where learning to multiply meant reciting your multiplication tables over and over, then you probably don’t have positive thoughts about teaching multiplication. Maybe you were given timed tests or had your achievements (or lack of) displayed on the wall. It may even be that, as an adult, you’re not still fluent with your multiplication… Read More
Learning sight words and high-frequency words is a massive component of the kindergarten and first grade curriculum. Not all teachers work from the same sight word/high frequency word lists. Some use Dolch lists, Fry or Words their Way. Some schools provide lists, others don’t. Whichever list is used, there’s always the same expectation. Students will know a certain amount of… Read More
Learning the multiplication facts shouldn’t be about learning to recite the times tables. I’ve seen too many students searching their memories for the answer to 6 x 8, only to have them start at 1 x 8 = 8. There’s no knowledge of the multiplication thinking strategies that can help them reach the answer much faster. If kids need to… Read More
Do you say sight words or high frequency words? And does it really matter? There is a difference. A sight word is a word that doesn’t follow spelling rules or the rules of the six syllable types. Kids need to learn to read them from sight because it’s impossible to decode them. High frequency words appear frequently in reading. You… Read More
I love using games in my math centers. I have to admit it wasn’t always successful. In the early days of teaching, I didn’t consider things like how to set up successful centers, or even the best way to use games during center time. Now, with nearly thirty years of teaching experience behind me, those things are second nature. I’ve… Read More
Once first grade students master counting on addition, the next step is learning their doubles facts. The doubles facts are addition facts in which a number is added to itself. 1 + 1 and 2 + 2 are both doubles facts. When students know these facts, it’s easy for them to use them to solve their near doubles (doubles + 1… Read More
It's my mission to help you create a classroom where kids are engaged in hands-on, meaningful practice that helps them to really consolidate the concepts you've been teaching. Read More…
