best teaching practices

Do we just add a zero at the end?

Do we just add a zero at the end? Creating number sense is something students struggle with throughout their elementary school career – I know … Read more

Comparing Fractions with Common Denominators & Common Numerators

Comparing Fractions with Common Denominators & Common Numerators If students understand what a fraction is and have a good understanding of comparing unit fractions, comparing … Read more

Decimal Investigation

Decimal Investigation Building a strong understanding of how our base ten system works is always so important. Taking the time to help students understand this … Read more

Making Half

Making Half Finding Half Using Fraction Bars Before diving into equivalent fractions, I have found that letting students explore by building ½ with fraction bars helps build a foundation … Read more

Multiplying Fractions: Keeping the Skill in Context

Multiplying Fractions: Keeping the Skill in Context I have found my students struggling to grasp the act of multiplying and dividing fractions conceptually. One suggestion … Read more

Pizza Fractions – Unit Fractions

Pizza Fractions – Unit Fractions I always start with this activity as a foundation for comparing unit fractions. Every year, this activity is a huge hit with … Read more

Multiplying Decimals | Why does it get smaller?

Multiplying Decimals | Why does it get smaller? We were doing a lesson on multiplying decimals with models when a student asked a question: “Why … Read more

Is it 10x the value or 1/10 the value?

Is it 10x the value or 1/10 the value? FOCUS TEK: Supporting 4.2A interpret the value of each place-value position as ten times the position … Read more

Dividing Decimals with Models

Dividing Decimals with Models Aubrey’s mom is planning to make her famous orange limeade and asks Aubrey to go to the store. Aubrey ended up buying 3 … Read more