This blog post will answer the following questions:

• What is the meaning of number sense?
• Why is teaching number sense important?
• What are some number sense examples?
• How do you help your students develop number sense?
• What are number of the day activities?
• How do you teach number of the day?

What is Number Sense and Why is it Important?

Number sense is how children conceptualize and manipulate numbers using both mental math and written expression. Children with a strong number sense understand the relationships between numbers, the ascending and descending value system in order, and why basic arithmetic works.

The National Council of Teachers identified five components that characterise number sense: Number meaning, number relationships, number magnitude, operations involving numbers and referents for numbers and quantities.

Number sense is important because it gives children the confidence to tackle more complex problems and allows them to flexibly work with numbers.

Number Sense Examples

Relating number sense concepts to your students’ own real-life experiences makes their work more interesting and meaningful. It can be helpful to make these connections at the beginning of a unit and document responses on an anchor chart. Refer back to it throughout the unit and add ideas as situations arise.

Real world examples of number sense include:

• comparing heights
• counting snacks
• comparing prices

How Do You Teach Number Sense?

You should always provide your students with a purpose for learning. This can be done by briefly defining number sense, explaining to them why it’s important, and giving them examples of how we use number sense in the real world. The information above will help you do this!

In addition, you can help your students with building number sense through number sense routines. My two favorite times to implement a number sense routine is during the morning routine at the start of the school day as morning work and at the beginning of your math block as a lesson opener. Either one works! Your routine could consist of students independently filling out a number of the day template. Having students do a number of the day template every day will help you make sure you are teaching number sense consistently, which supports your students in developing a strong number sense.

What is Number of the Day?

Number of the day is an activity where students practice basic number sense concepts and skills. It provides students with daily practice so they can confidently and flexibly work with numbers. Students can record their responses on a printable template, digital template, or white board.

How to Teach Number of the Day

When you first introduce your number of the day activity, project it on your board or create a similar version on an anchor chart that can be posted in the classroom. Model how to complete the template and go over expected behavior. Be proactive with classroom management strategies. For example, what should students do if they have a question or are stuck? What should students do after they complete the template?

Next, invite students to complete the template using a different number. Be sure to use a simple number for the students. The goal of this learning experience is to teach expectations and the format, not challenge them mathematically. Give students some time to work on it independently. Circulate around the room and offer support as needed. 

Finally, pull the group together and invite them to share how the experience went and ask questions. Reinforce expectations and give compliments for positive student behaviors.

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

We hope this information about teaching number sense and number of the day activities is helpful and would love for you to try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways. You can download worksheets specific to your grade level (along with lots of other math freebies) in our free printable math resources bundle using this link: free printable math activities for elementary teachers.

Check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post Using Number of the Day Activities for Teaching Number Sense in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

There are tons of different types of instructional strategies for teaching elementary math, but which is the most effective one that maximizes student engagement, deepens student understanding, and boosts standardized test scores? This blog post will explore the different types of instructional strategies for teaching math to help you determine which one will work best for you and your classroom.

This blog post will answer the following questions:

• What are instructional strategies?
• What are the different types of instructional strategies for teaching math?
• Can you tell me what the best instructional strategy for teaching elementary math is?

What are Instructional Strategies?

Instructional strategies is a general term that refers to any type or teaching technique teachers use to support their students in their learning of concepts and skills. The goal of using instructional strategies is for students to be able to independently select the best strategy and use it effectively during learning experiences and real world situations.

This blog post is going to focus on instructional strategies as a broader term to describe the different types of instruction teachers can use to teach math and provide practice opportunities to their students. Read below to learn about 8 math instructional strategies!

What are the Different Types of Instructional Strategies?

There are many different types of instructional strategies for teaching math. This blog post is going to focus on the following instructional strategies for math:

• Whole class math instruction
• Math centers
• Independent practice
• Partner work
• Math menus
• Flipped classroom
• Small guided math instruction
• Math workshop

Whole Class Math Instruction

The first on the list of Instructional strategies for teaching math is whole class math instruction. Below are the strengths and weaknesses of whole class math instruction.

Pros of Whole Group Math Instruction

• Reduces the amount of time spent planning
• Decreases the amount of time prepping materials
• Ensures all students are exposed to the same content
• Supports teachers in getting quick formative assessment data
• Serves as an effective way to introduce a topic
• Benefits auditory learners
• Facilitates class-wide discussions
• Creates a learning community
• Provides opportunities for students to learn from one another
• Encourages the use of math talk

Cons of Whole Group Math Instruction

• Limits the teachers’ ability to provide differentiated instruction
• Reduces participation of introverted students
• Increases amount of students off task because they may be bored or lost

Math Centers

Below are the strengths and weaknesses of math centers.

Pros of Math Centers (also called math stations)

• Increases student engagement
• Invites students to practice a variety of different skills
• Allows the teacher to provide differentiated learning opportunities for students
• Benefits hands-on learners
• Provides opportunities for collaboration and independent learning
• Enables the teacher to pull small groups
• Promotes problem solving skills

Cons of Math Centers

• Creates a limited amount of time students are getting teacher-led instruction
• Requires more planning than whole class instruction
• Increases the amount of time students need to learn procedures and routines compared to whole class instruction

Partner Work

The next Instructional strategy for teaching math is partner work. Below are the strengths and weaknesses of implementing partner work.

Pros of Partner Work

• Provides opportunities for collaboration
• Invites students to practice communication skills
• Promotes problem solving skills
• Allows the teacher to pull small groups
• Teaches responsibility

Cons of Partner Work

• Creates a limited amount of time students are getting teacher-led instruction
• Can lead to off-task behavior

Independent Practice

Below are the strengths and weaknesses of independent practice.

Pros of Independent Practice

• Gives students the opportunity to apply their learning
• Allows the teacher to pull small groups
• Encourages independence
• Teaches responsibility
• Lets the teacher to provide differentiated learning opportunities for students
• Promotes problem solving skills

Cons of Independent Practice

• Creates a limited amount of time students are getting teacher-led instruction
• Results in students who struggle with executive functioning skills being off-task or lost

Math Menus

Below are the strengths and weaknesses of math menus.

Pros of Math Menus (also called math checklists)

• Allows the teacher to pull small groups
• Gives students choice and autonomy over their learning
• Provides a variety of engaging learning opportunities for students

Cons of Math Menus

• Creates a limited amount of time students are getting teacher-led instruction
• Results in students who struggle with executive functioning skills being off-task, overwhelmed, or lost

Flipped Classroom

Below are the strengths and weaknesses of a flipped classroom.

Pros of a Flipped Classroom

• Visual and auditory learners benefit from this
• Saves valuable class time for addressing misconceptions and inviting students to collaborate with peers and engage in hands-on learning experiences
• Encourages independence
• Teaches responsibility

Cons of a Flipped Classroom

• Reduces the certainty that all students received the instruction
• Decreases the amount of time students are passively listening in class
• Requires at-home WIFI and parent participation in math

Small Guided Math Instruction

The second to last of the Instructional strategies for teaching math on this list is small guided math instruction. Read below to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of using small guided math instruction.

Pros of Small Guided Math Instruction

• Empowers the teacher to provide differentiated math instruction
• Enables the teacher to take notes on each student and develop a deep understanding of each student as a mathematician
• Gives students individualized face time with the teacher
• Works with remote learning and hybrid learning
• Keeps students engaged and excited about learning
• Encourages the use of math talk
• Benefits hands-on learners

Cons of Small Guided Math Instruction

• Requires a lot more planning than whole group instruction
• Increases the amount of time students need to learn procedures and routines compared to whole class instruction

Math Workshop

The last of the instructional strategies for teaching math on this list is math workshop. Read below to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of using math workshop.

Pros of Math Workshop

• Encourages the use of math talk
• Benefits hands-on, auditory, and visual learners
• Gives students the opportunity to apply their learning
• Allows the teacher to pull small groups
• Promotes problem solving skills
• Supports teachers in getting quick formative assessment data
• Creates a learning community
• Provides opportunities for students to learn from one another

Cons of Math Workshop

• Requires a lot more planning than whole group instruction
• Increases the amount of time students need to learn procedures and routines compared to whole class instruction

What is the Best Instructional Strategy for Teaching Elementary Math?

There are tons of math teaching strategies out there, but Math Workshop with Guided Math is the most effective instructional strategy for teaching math. It includes all of the benefits from the following effective teaching methods: Whole class math instruction, math centers, independent practice, partner work, Guided Math instruction, and the Math Workshop framework. You can learn how to launch Math Workshop with Guided Math in my Guided Math Workshop course.

Math Resources for 1st-5th Grade Teachers

If you need printable and digital math resources, then check out the math collections below. They will save you lots of time creating and search for materials. You will have a massive collection of resources at your fingertips. This is helpful for any of the Instructional strategies for teaching mentioned above.

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

In closing, we hope this information about the different types of instructional strategies for teaching math is helpful and would love for you to try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways. You can download worksheets specific to your grade level (along with lots of other math freebies) in our free printable math resources bundle using this link: free printable math activities for elementary teachers.

Check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post 8 Types of Instructional Strategies for Teaching Math (Grades 1-5) in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

8 Guided Math Workshop Challenges and Solutions for Them

Here are 8 Guided Math Workshop challenges you may have faced in the past or are currently facing:

1. Not Using a Proven System for Launching

There are so many different things you need to think about when launching Guided Math Workshop. In order to be sure you don’t forget anything and you start your workshop on the right foot, it’s critical that you utilize a proven system for launching. My Guided Math Workshop course (coming soon) is a great resource to help you step-by-step with implementing this math framework in your classroom!

2. Not Investing Enough Time in Teaching Procedures and Routines

If your Guided Math Workshop is not working or was not successful in the past, it most likely has to do with procedures and routines. When implementing Guided Math Workshop in your classroom, one of the most important things you need to do is invest time at the beginning of the school year explicitly teaching procedures and routines. Here are some examples of procedures and routines you will need to teach your students:

• How to transition from the whole group area to centers
• What to do if they have a question during math centers
• When it’s appropriate to use the bathroom or get a drink
• What to do if they finish a center early
• Where they turn their center work in
• How to clean up after a math center

3. Not Teaching or Reinforcing Behavior Expectations

If students are off-task or not showing the model behavior you expect, it might be a sign that you need to reteach behavior expectations or more consistently reinforce them. When students know what is expected from them and know that you will follow through with the consequences, then they are less likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors. Here are some examples of classroom management topics to go over with your students:

• How to appropriately work with partners
• What to do if they feel frustrated
• How to use math manipulatives appropriately
• What to do if their partner is off-task
• How to earn the classroom incentive
• What an active learner looks like during whole group instruction

4. Making the Whole Group Lesson Too Long

Your mini lesson should only be 10-15 minutes. If it is longer than that, students will likely lose focus and you will lose precious small group instruction time.  It can be challenging to fit it into the short time frame when you are trying to shorten the day’s lesson from your district-mandated math curriculum; however, you need to prioritize the most important information that you think all of your students should be exposed to and save the rest for your Guided Math group.

5. Not Grouping Students Effectively

At the beginning of each unit, you should switch up your math groups. Just because a student is in your highest group for your addition and subtraction unit does not mean that they belong in the same group for 2D and 3D shapes. It is essential that you assess students at the beginning of each unit so you can see where students are at. When you are grouping students, you should consider the following:

• Performance on the unit’s pre-assessment
• Personalities
• Language proficiency
• Special education pull-out and push-in services
• Peer relationships

6. Not Using Appropriate Math Center Activities

Students will be working on the math center activities without your support, so it’s important that they are able to complete them independently. They should be based on previously-taught math concepts and skills from this school year or the current concepts and skills being taught but at a simpler level. Spiral review math activities are a great tool for this! Be sure to offer math manipulatives to support students in problem solving and provide student choice when appropriate. This will help students stay engaged.

7. Not Taking Good Notes During Small Group Instruction

When you meet with your Small Guided Math groups, it is essential that you jot down your observations and take quality notes. This will help you track student progress, address misconceptions, and be able to talk confidently about your students’ math abilities during meetings and report cards. If you don’t take these notes, you may feel like you don’t have a deep understanding of where each student is at in their math journey.

8. Not Being Flexible

Like with any content area, it is very important to be flexible with your math instruction. You will need to make adjustments as you go along, and that’s totally okay! We are working with human beings, so your Guided Math Workshop is not going to be perfect every day. There are a lot of different factors that impact your math instruction, such as lockdown drills, assemblies, or a student throwing up. Remember to reflect on what is working well and what isn’t and to not be afraid to make tweaks as needed. And of course don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Math Resources for 1st-5th Grade Teachers

If you need printable and digital math resources, then check out the math collections below. They will save you lots of time creating and search for materials. You will have a massive collection of resources at your fingertips.

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

We hope this information about common Guided Math Workshop challenges is helpful and would love for you to try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways and support you with providing differentiation in math. You can download worksheets specific to your grade level (along with lots of other math freebies) in our free printable math resources bundle using this link: free printable math activities for elementary teachers.

Check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post How to Make Guided Math Workshop Work in Your Classroom (Even if it Failed Before) appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

10 Common Misconceptions about Math Workshop and Guided Math

Below is a list of 10 common misconceptions about Math Workshop and Guided Math.

1. Too Much Prep Time

The most popular misconception about Math Workshop with Guided Math is that it requires too much prep time. Teachers worry about the amount of time it takes to plan and prep the mini lesson, three independent centers, four guided math groups, and closing. They think there isn’t enough time in the day to plan all of this so they would have to stay late after school or bring home lesson planning materials every day. Luckily, it doesn’t require as much time as they think! 

There are lots of tricks to simplify your planning and prep. For example, your Math Facts center doesn’t have to change all week. Students can practice their math facts using Xtra Math everyday for a whole week, which basically runs itself! Another trick is to create a review packet based on the concepts and skills from the previous unit. This could serve as the At Your Seat center for the whole week. A third trick is to use a Math Workshop lesson plan template and Guided Math Workshop template to streamline your planning process, which will save you lots of time! These are just a few tricks, but I include all of my time-saving secrets in my Guided Math Workshop course (coming soon)!

2. Too Difficult to Manage

The second most popular misconception about Math Workshop with Guided Math is that it is too hard to manage. Teachers worry about keeping students engaged during whole group instruction, making sure all students are working during center time when they are working with their small Guided Math group, holding students accountable and responding to student behaviors when away from the teacher station, wasting valuable learning time with classroom transitions, managing all of the materials associated with the math centers, and collecting formative assessment data. Thankfully, I have good news! When you prioritize taking the time at the beginning of the school year to explicitly teach procedures, routines, and expectations and reinforcing them throughout the school year, many of these problems dissipate. In my Guided Math Workshop course (coming soon!), I go into great detail about how to do all of this!

3. Too Hard to Implement

The third most popular misconception is that Math Workshop with Guided Math is too hard to implement. Teachers don’t know where to begin, feel overwhelmed about getting started, don’t know the systematic process for how to launch Guided Math Workshop, and lack the knowledge and confidence to take the leap. It feels a lot safer to just stick with the old ways of doing things, but here’s the thing: Your students deserve better. We know best practice teaching is not whole-group teaching. Students need data-driven, differentiated instruction in order for them to reach their highest potential. My Guided Math Workshop course (coming soon!) includes a proven systematic process for launching Guided Math Workshop in your classroom that walks you step-by-step so you can confidently implement it!

4. Too Expensive to Implement

Another misconception about Math Workshop with Guided Math is that it is too expensive to implement. Teachers who do not have a math curriculum worry about the cost of all of the resources they would need to find and purchase in order to fill the different components of the framework: Mini lesson, four centers, and closing. They also worry about all of the math manipulatives they will need.

Teachers who have a curriculum program can easily insert the program’s resources into the framework, but they worry about all of the extra materials they need to set up the workshop in their classroom like a math rotation board and labels.

Good news for the teachers in both scenarios is that it’s not nearly as expensive as they think! My Guided Math Workshop course (coming soon) includes everything you need to set up Guided Math Workshop in your classroom. If you don’t have access to manipulatives, then please download these free printable math manipulatives! They work great for math tool kits for class and homework! If you need student activities, the best way to do this is buy them in bulk. Check out my Elementary Math Resource Collection for a cost-effective way to get TONS of math resources!

5. Too Many Resources are Needed

Some teachers think that Math Workshop requires too many resources. They might not have a curriculum program. If you are in this situation, learn how to teach math without a curriculum! It can be hard (and expensive) to find meaningful, differentiated center activities and time-consuming to create them. Luckily, there are a ton of free, quality resources out there to help you! For example, take advantage of free math apps and computer games! In addition, you can purchase math resources in bulk to reduce the cost. Check out my Elementary Math Resource Collection for access to all of my digital and printable math resources!

6. Impossible if you Have a District-Mandated Curriculum

Teachers have told me that they cannot implement Math Workshop with Guided Math because they have a district-mandated curriculum program. Some school districts require that teachers use their school’s math curriculum program, no matter how outdated it is. The good news is that you can use Guided Math Workshop with any math curriculum!

7. Impossible with a Small Classroom

Some teachers have the misconception that you need a large classroom in order to do Math Workshop with Guided Math. This is simply not true! Although it’s wonderful having a big spacious room for students to spread out in, you do not need to have four tables in addition to your students’ seating. You can get creative by grouping student desks or having students work at their individual desk or table spots unless they are working with you for a Guided Math group lesson.

8. Impossible without a Class of Model Students

Another misconception about Math Workshop with Guided Math is that you can only do it if you have a class of model students who are on or above grade level, demonstrate appropriate behaviors consistently, have strong organizational skills, and are strong independent learners. Teachers say that their students are too low, lack independent learning skills, or are often off-ask, so they couldn’t possibly implement it.

Math Workshop with Guided Math is actually a solution to these perceived challenges. Specifically, Guided Math helps you differentiate instruction and support students of all levels, including those who are below grade level. The short 10-15 minute lesson components help students stay engaged and on-task because they aren’t bored. Lastly, students become more independent when given the opportunity to practice it. With training and a gradual release at the beginning of the school year, your students will flourish in this math lesson framework!

9. Impossible to Fit into the Jam-Packed School Day

The ninth on the list of misconceptions about Math Workshop is that it can’t fit into their already busy school day. Some teachers think it is impossible to fit Math Workshop with Guided Math into their schedule. There are so many requirements, yet so little time. What they don’t realize, however, is that this framework will actually help you make the most of your math block. It is quick-paced and helps you maximize your instruction time.

They also think they don’t have large enough blocks of time. Luckily, the framework is very flexible and can look differently based on your schedule and needs. I broke down a few different ways it can look in this math block structure post.

10. Not Enough Direct Instruction

The last item on this list of misconceptions about Math Workshop with Guided Math is that there isn’t enough direct instruction with this model. The traditional way of teaching math was to stand at the front of the room and deliver direct, whole group instruction for the majority of the math block. However, research has shown that this is not how students learn best.

Although there is a shorter amount of time that you, the teacher, are delivering direct instruction, the time you do have with them is far more valuable. Students get 10-15 minutes of whole group instruction and 10-15 minutes of data-driven, personalized instruction in a small group. Students may get less direct instruction, but they actually get more face-to-face teacher time with this model.

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

We hope this information about common misconceptions about Math Workshop with Guided Math is helpful and would love for you to try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways and support you with providing differentiation in math. You can download worksheets specific to your grade level (along with lots of other math freebies) in our free printable math resources bundle using this link: free printable math activities for elementary teachers.

Check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post 10 Common Misconceptions about Math Workshop and Guided Math (and the Truth about this Framework) appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

Calendar concepts often come up on standardized tests, but are not necessarily part of your school’s curriculum. Calendar time is a great way to squeeze these concepts into an already jam-packed school day.

This blog post offers tons of classroom calendar ideas for teachers and answers the following questions about teaching calendar math:

• What is calendar math?
• Why is calendar math important?
• What are examples of calendar skills?
• How do you teach calendar math to grades 1-3?
• What are some helpful resources for teaching calendar math?

What is Calendar Math?

Calendar math is a time during the school day where students practice key concepts and skills in a spiral review format. At the beginning of the year, the skills may be a review from the previous school year. As the school year progresses, however, you will want to focus on grade level concepts and skills. Usually the tasks relate to that day’s date or number of days in school, but this is not required. Some teachers choose to make calendar math during their morning routine, while others choose to do it right at the start of their math block. As you can see, calendar math is a general term that when used in practice can come in a lot of different variations. You get to decide what works best for you and your students!

Why is Calendar Math Important?

Calendar math is important because of the following 3 reasons:

• Calendar math helps students perform better on standardized assessments because they are practicing essential grade level concepts and skills every day.
• It supports students in developing confidence in their math abilities because of the regular exposure to the same tasks. This results in the increase of student engagement.
• It creates a safe learning environment for students because they quickly learn the routine and understand the expectations.

10 Calendar Skills to Teach Elementary Students

Here are 10 math calendar skills elementary students need to know:

1. Seasons of the year
2. Months of the year
3. Days of the week
4. How to write the date
5. How to read a calendar
6. Counting and skip counting
7. Even and odd numbers
8. Patterns
9. Less than, greater than, and equal to
10. Representing numbers (e.g. money, tallies, words, equations, and base ten blocks).

How do you Teach Calendar Time?

Teaching calendar skills is a great way to start the school day. Students quickly learn the routine and expectations, so every day starts in a stress-free way for both you and your students. Calendar time will look a little different across grade levels. For example, the types of questions you will ask 1st graders during calendar time will look a lot different than the type of questions you ask 3rd graders. Although there are definitely differences across grade levels, there are some general calendar teaching tips that apply to all grade levels. Here’s 5 of them:

1. Start slow. Spend the beginning of the year carefully modeling and explicitly teaching and reinforcing expectations. This will be time well spent! You will thank yourself for doing this as the year goes on.
2. Maintain consistent routines throughout the school year. This will help your classroom run smoothly all year long (even when you have a substitute teacher)!
3. Have students sit next to a “talking partner” or a “learning partner” and give them the opportunity to collaborate and discuss ideas.
4. Give students access to white boards, white board makers, and erasers so they can be active participants in the learning. Another option is to give them a worksheet and a clipboard. A third option is to stick a template in a plastic sleeve so it can be used over and over again.
5. Use a pointer to assist you during instruction. This is a very handy tool for calendar time!

How do you Teach Calendar to Grade 1?

Here are 3 calendar math first grade tips:

1. Review kindergarten skills at the beginning of the school year.
2. Explicitly teach the parts of the calendar: month, days of the week, and number of days. Additionally, practice the concept yesterday was, today is, and tomorrow will be.
3. Use the number of school days to guide your instruction.

How do you Teach Calendar to Grade 2?

Here are 3 calendar math 2nd grade tips:

1. Review first grade skills at the beginning of the school year.
2. Incorporate money, skip counting by 5s, 10s, and 100s, and practice representing numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form into your calendar time instruction.
3. Preview third grade skills at the end of the school year.

How do you Teach Calendar to Grade 3?

Here are 3 calendar math 3rd grade tips:

1. Review second grade skills at the beginning of the school year.
2. Make time for teaching the calendar at least 3 days per week.
3. Incorporate telling time into your routine because this is the last year that this skill shows up in the Common Core.

2 Resources to Help You Teach Calendar Math Skills

Below are resources that will help you teach calendar math skills.

1. Daily Calendar Activities

These printable and digital daily calendar activities are appropriate for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. The calendar worksheets and tasks cards offer a quick and easy way to review calendar math skills at the start of each school day during your morning routine.

2. Calendar Display Printables

Posting a classroom calendar is essential in every elementary classroom. These printable resources make it quick and easy! Check out all of my different classroom themes, which all include calendar display printables. These simple black and white classroom decor printables are popular!

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

We hope this information about teaching calendar math skills is helpful and would love for you to try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways. You can download worksheets specific to your grade level (along with lots of other math freebies) in our free printable math resources bundle using this link: free printable math activities for elementary teachers.

Check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post Teaching Calendar Math to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade Students in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

3 Ideas for How to Teach Elementary Math Without a Curriculum Program

Here are 3 ideas for how to teach math to elementary students when you do not have access to a formal math curriculum program.

1. Adopt a Math Block Structure.

Before the start of the school year, you will need to choose a math block structure. The one I recommend is the Guided Math Workshop framework. This is a model that includes a mini lesson, four centers, and a closing. This simple framework is an effective format for creating consistent routines for your students and simplifying planning for you. You can learn my systematic approach for how to launch Guided Math Workshop in my Guided Math Workshop Guide or Guided Math Workshop course (coming soon!). Having a math block structure will help you feel confident about how to teach elementary math in your classroom!

2. Develop a Systematic Approach to Planning.

I recommend planning in the same location. This will ensure you have everything you need when you are planning your math block. For example, you may want to keep the following in your planning area: A pacing calendar (created by you or your district), list of math standards, Math Workshop and Guided Math lesson plan templates (which are available in my soon-to-be-released Guided Math Workshop course), laptop charger, and pens. Having a system and specific location for planning will save you lots of time planning and prepping math lessons!

3. Utilize the Understanding by Design Framework when Planning.

The Understanding by Design framework, Backward Design, is a structure for unit planning. It consists of 3 sequential components: Desired Results, Evidence, and Learning Plan. 

When designing a math unit, first you need to identify the learning goals. What do you want students to know and be able to do by the end of the unit? Which standards are you addressing in the unit? This is the first stage, which is referred to as Desired Results. 

The second stage, Evidence, is to create or find an assessment that successfully assesses the learning goals of the unit. Check out my math benchmark assessments for ideas on what this could look like. I have three benchmark assessments for each Common Core standard. 

The third and final stage, Learning Plan, is to create or identify the learning experiences students will engage in to develop an understanding of the unit’s math concepts and skills (learning goals).

Backward Design is a great tool for planning math instruction. It will truly make you a better math teacher and help you feel more confident about how to teach math!

Math Resources for 1st-5th Grade Teachers

If you need printable and digital math resources for your classroom, then check out my collections below!

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

In closing, we hope this information about how to teach math to elementary students without a curriculum program is helpful! Learn more about teaching elementary math and try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways. You can download worksheets specific to your grade level (along with lots of other math freebies) in our free printable math resources bundle using this link: free printable math activities for elementary teachers.

Check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post How to Teach Math to Elementary Students Without a Curriculum in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

This blog post will answer the following questions about math benchmarks:

• Can you tell me what a benchmark assessment is?
• What are math benchmark assessments?
• What is the difference between a benchmark assessment and a formative assessment?
• Why should I use benchmark tests?
• How do you create a benchmark assessment?
• What are some examples of benchmarks?

What is a Benchmark Assessment?

A benchmark assessment is a test given 2-4 times during the school year to evaluate students and measure their progress toward achieving grade-level standards. They are often given across a grade level, whole school, or district. They are often called interim assessments or benchmark tests. This is a simple benchmark assessment definition; however, it gives you a general idea of what it is and how it is used.

What is a Benchmark Test in Math?

A benchmark test in math is an assessment tool that supports teachers in monitoring their students’ progress toward grade level math standards. Teachers use this information to design differentiated data-based lessons to meet students’ needs. Find an example of a math benchmark test (also called a numeracy benchmark) for your grade level further down below.

Benchmark Assessment vs. Formative Assessment

Benchmark assessments share characteristics with formative assessments and summative assessments. Teachers use the information from benchmark assessments like they do formative assessments in that they use the results to identify weaknesses, plan lessons to address those gaps, and deliver appropriate instruction in a short time frame. Benchmarks are different from formatives (and similar to summative assessments) in that they are more formal and are given across a whole grade level, school, or district. Formative assessments are traditionally given to one class and are less formal.

What is the Purpose of a Benchmark Test?

The purpose of a benchmark test is to provide real-time data to teachers, which they use to inform their instruction. Specifically, teachers use the data to plan purposeful, differentiated, and targeted instruction to address students’ weaknesses and gaps. My favorite way to do this is through Guided Math Workshop groups.

How to Create Benchmark Assessments in 10 Steps

Here are 10 steps for creating math benchmark assessments:

1. Identify which standards you are assessing.
2. Write 3-10 questions for each standard. Make sure you are addressing all parts of each standard.
3. Develop a grading system.
4. Create a template for the questions to go into.
5. Insert the questions into the template.
6. Duplicate the file by how many times you will be administering the benchmark assessments (usually 2-4).
7. Tweak the numbers, names, and situations of the questions, while still staying true to the standard.
8. Create an answer key for each version.
9. Save the assessments on your computer and print them. Consider printing a master copy and keeping it in your assessment binder.
10. Make copies of the benchmark assessments.

5 Benchmark Assessment Examples

If you need an example of math benchmark assessment tests for your grade level, then check out the examples below! They are printable and digital!

• 1st Grade Benchmark Test Math Assessments
• 2nd Grade Benchmark Test Math Assessments
• 3rd Grade Benchmark Test Math Assessments
• 4th Grade Benchmark Test Math Assessments
• 5th Grade Benchmark Test Math Assessments

5 Quick Check Assessment Examples

If you need an example of math quick assessments for your grade level, then check out the examples below! They are printable and digital!

• 1st Grade Math Quick Check Assessments
• 2nd Grade Math Quick Check Assessments
• 3rd Grade Math Quick Check Assessments
• 4th Grade Math Quick Check Assessments
• 5th Grade Math Quick Check Assessments

Math Resources for 1st-5th Grade Teachers

If you need printable and digital math resources, then check out the math collections below. They will save you lots of time creating and search for materials. You will have a massive collection of resources at your fingertips.

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

We hope this information about math benchmark assessments is helpful and would love for you to try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways. You can download worksheets specific to your grade level (along with lots of other math freebies) in our free printable math resources bundle using this link: free printable math activities for elementary teachers.

Check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post Math Benchmark Assessments: Your Way to Students Acing the Test in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

COVID-19 changed everything. Prior to 2020, remote teaching, distance teaching, virtual teaching, and hybrid teaching were not common terms. Now, teachers across the country (and world) use these words and phrases every day. As teachers transitioned back to the classroom, many things went back to normal. However, many changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic are here to stay. 

One of those changes is the expanded use of technology to support student learning. We have learned so much about Seesaw, Google Classroom, and other digital platforms. Some teachers were using these tools before. However, they were likely not using them to the full extent that they were during remote learning. In addition to using digital platforms, we used Google Slides, Google Forms, and other digital resources. Luckily, investing time and money into these resources was not a loss. We can continue using them for in-person teaching and homework.

This post is going to focus on one of the digital resources that became essential during the pandemic: Digital manipulatives. They are also commonly called virtual manipulatives and online manipulatives. There are several great resources out there that offer free virtual math manipulatives online that I will share below. I’ll also share a list of online tools you may need (e.g. virtual base ten blocks and unifix cubes). Read below to learn everything you need to know about digital manipulatives!

What are Digital Manipulatives?

Digital manipulatives are interactive models of math tools that students can access on a technology device. Most often students access them using a desktop computer, laptop, or iPad. They can often be navigated using a mouse or touch screen. They’re great because they give students the opportunity to work with math manipulatives when hands-on manipulatives aren’t accessible (e.g. homework). This type of manipulative became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some examples of digital manipulatives are online unifix cubes, base ten blocks, and coins. Synonyms are virtual manipulatives and online manipulatives.

What are Virtual Manipulatives?

Virtual manipulatives are the same as digital manipulatives. These terms are often used interchangeably. In simple terms, they are online tools students can use to understand, represent, and solve math problems. Some examples of math tools that are often modeled are base 10 blocks, coins, and cuisenaire rods.

Why are Digital Manipulatives Important?

Digital math manipulatives are important because they give students access to math tools when they traditionally have not been. For example, students can use them when they are working on homework at home. These tools help students to understand, represent, and solve math problems. They provide a more scaffolded and supportive learning experience for students.

Online math manipulatives for elementary students can be especially helpful for children with special needs. Specifically, they may be a better tool for students who struggle with organization, executive functioning, or fine motor skills. They are a lot easy to maneuver for these populations. Offering the use of base 10 blocks online, for example, may be helpful. They can be a lot to manage for some students. Another example is letting students use digital unifix cubes. The concrete version can be difficult for some students to put together.

Additionally, students who struggle with attention may benefit from using digital manipulatives. They my be more engaged in math lessons when using these technology tools. 

5 Disadvantages of Using Digital Math Manipulatives

Digital math tools are very helpful; however, they do have their shortcomings. Here are 5 disadvantages of using virtual math tools with elementary students:

1. Students can’t actually touch them. This takes away the opportunities for their brains to make important connections. Research shows that there are huge benefits to students’ hands and minds working together. Hands-on learning experiences in math are essential!
2. Some students will not use the tools appropriately. They may exhibit off-task behavior.
3. Some students may not have access to technology or the internet at home.
4. It can be difficult to find all of the digital math tools you need. Continue reading below for some helpful resources.
5. It can be challenging to find free digital math manipulatives. Again, I’ve got you covered! Continue reading for free resources!

5 Ideas for Using Virtual Manipulatives to Teach Math

Are you unsure of how to incorporate virtual math tools? Below are 5 ideas for using them to teach math.

1. Walk your students step-by-step through how to access virtual manipulatives when they are in school. Consider offering them a handout or video tutorial as well. This will help them confidently access the tools at home.
2. Consider giving your students time to explore the virtual manipulatives. Let them share their findings with the class. This could look like giving students 5 minutes to explore the virtual geometry manipulatives. Then they pause and talk about what they found. Then they move to the next section.
3. Use them when it is appropriate to do so. I was recently asked, “When should I have students use digital math manipulatives?” This is a great question. Concrete math manipulatives provide a hands on learning experience that helps students’ brains make important connections. Use the concrete ones when you can. Use the virtual manipulatives when using the concrete version is not possible. Examples of times when it may not be possible are for homework and remote learning.
4. If you are using the virtual math tools in class, explicitly teach the expectations for how to use them appropriately. For example, students should use them as tools, not for play.
5. Bookmark the virtual tool websites on your school computer. This will help you locate them quickly and easily.

List of Virtual Math Manipulatives You Need

The virtual math manipulatives will depend on your grade level. For example, a first grade teacher will have very different needs than a fifth grade teacher. Below are some examples of tools that may be helpful.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking Digital Manipulatives

Below are some examples of digital tools for teaching operations and algebraic thinking.

• unifix cubes
• math counters
• two color counters
• ten frame
• dominoes
• rekenrek

Numbers and Operations in Base Ten Digital Manipulatives

Below are examples of digital tools for teaching numbers and operations in base ten.

• base ten blocks
• place value disks

Numbers and Operations with Fractions Digital Manipulatives

Below are examples of digital tools for teaching numbers and operations with fractions.

• fraction tiles
• colorful counters
• fraction circles
• fraction bars

Measurement and Data Digital Manipulatives

Below are examples of digital tools for teaching measurement and data.

• money and coins
• cuisenaire rods
• clock
• color tiles

Geometry Digital Manipulatives

Below are examples of digital tools for teaching geometry.

• 3D shapes
• 2D shapes
• pattern blocks
• tangrams

3 of the Best Virtual Math Manipulatives Resources

Here are 3 of the best virtual math manipulatives:

1. Toy Theater

This first one is my favorite! It is very easy for students to navigate. Toy Theater has the following tools:

• geoboards
• fraction strips
• decimal strips
• percentage strips
• fraction bars
• fraction circles
• clock
• timer
• spinner
• dice
• coin flip
• number line
• tangrams
• place value chart
• place value disks
• abacus
• base ten blocks
• U.S. coins
• Canadian coins
• thermometer
• and more!

2. Didax Virtual Manipulatives

Another great option is Didax Virtual Manipulatives. It has the following tools:

• unifix cubes
• ten frames
• number lines
• rekenreks
• fraction tiles
• two color counters
• 120 number board
• color tiles
• base ten blocks
• math balance
• dice
• spinners
• pattern blocks
• place value disks
• geoboard
• and more!

3. Math Learning Center

The third resource on this list is Math Learning Center. It has the following tools:

• geoboards
• clocks
• number lines
• pattern shapes
• fraction bars
• money pieces
• and more!

Math Resources for 1st-5th Grade Teachers

If you need printable and digital math resources, then check out the math collections below. They will save you lots of time creating and search for materials. You will have a massive collection of resources at your fingertips.

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

In closing, we hope this information about digital manipulatives is helpful! They really are great tools for teaching math. If you haven’t already, bookmark those 3 websites mentioned above. They are 100% free! Next, we would love for you to try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways. Download these free printable math activities!

Lastly, check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post Free Digital Manipulatives for Math Virtual Teaching in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

We maximize motivation in math and improve student engagement in math (as well as other content areas) through several techniques. Some examples are high-interest learning experiences, songs, dances, and collaborative learning opportunities. We know that when students are engaged in their learning, they consistently demonstrate better learning outcomes as a result. The question is clear then. How do we improve student engagement in math to maximize student learning? Learn all about student engagement and get answers to that question below!

What is Student Engagement?

Student engagement is a child’s interest in and excitement for school. When students are engaged, they are invested in their learning. This makes them more likely to be able to persevere through challenging problems.

Why is Student Engagement Important?

Student engagement (in math and other content areas) is incredibly important. It causes students to…

• have a better attitude toward school.
• participate in class.
• complete and submit their homework.
• persevere through more challenging problems.
• produce higher quality work.
• attend school more consistently.
• develop a deeper understanding of the content.
• perform better on standardized assessments.

What Does Student Engagement Look Like?

Student engagement (in math and other content areas) can look like many different things. Some examples include:

• actively listening
• asking and answering questions
• using class hand signals to communicate
• nodding or shaking their head
• looking at the person who is talking
• laughing during a funny math video
• following teacher cues
• telling a partner how they solved a problem
• reading math problems
• writing about which strategy they selected and why
• solving a math problem using math manipulatives
• presenting a math project to the class

How do you Improve Student Engagement in Math?

You can improve student engagement in math and increase motivation in math by…

• incorporating hands on math learning experiences
• providing differentiated instruction
• utilizing math games
• encouraging the use of math manipulatives
• facilitating opportunities for partner and small group work
• including technology integration
• making real world math connections
• giving students the opportunity to share their thinking
• using students’ names and meaningful contexts in problems
• employing project based learning

10 Tips for Improving Student Engagement in Whole Group Math

Here are 10 tips for improving student engagement during whole group math instruction:

1. Set clear expectations at the beginning of the school year.

At the start of the school year, it is essential to set clear expectations in all content areas. Consider brainstorming as a class what expected and unexpected behavior looks like during the different parts of the math block. For example, you would discuss the expectations for the different parts of Guided Math Workshop if you use that. In this case, you’d create an anchor chart for the mini lesson, centers, guided math group, and closing.

2. Reinforce expectations and hold students accountable.

Teaching the expectations at the beginning of the year is not enough. You need to also reinforce them throughout the first month and whenever it seems like students need a reminder. If students are not following the expectations, then you must hold students accountable throughout the year as needed. This progresses from reminders to consequences.

3. Shorten the length of your whole group instruction.

Your whole group lesson should be limited to a brief mini lesson. Elementary students do not have the attention or stamina required to sit through a long whole group lesson.

4. Utilize technology.

It’s no secret that students love using technology. Instructional tools like videos, interactive white board lessons, and PowerPoint lessons are a great way to keep kids engaged.

5. Assign learning partners.

The fifth strategy for improving student engagement in math is to assign learning partners. Assigning learning partners makes it so students can stop and talk about math concepts and skills throughout the lesson. This holds students accountable to maintaining their attention. They know they will need to discuss with a partner so they are more apt to pay attention.

6. Employ hand signals.

Hand signals allow the whole class to participate and communicate their ideas during whole group lessons. It also helps the teacher evaluate student understanding during the lesson.

7. Distribute white boards.

Handing out white boards to students empowers them to actively problem solve throughout the lesson. Consider having a number talk be a part of your whole group lesson. Students can use the white boards to record their thinking and share out their strategy.

8. Incorporate math supplies and tools.

Elementary students love using math supplies and tools! Hands on math manipulatives take every lesson to the next level.

9. Maintain consistent routines.

Maintaining consistent routines reduce off-task behavior and increase smooth transitions. When students know what to expect, your math block is much more likely to go smoothly.

10. Adopt the Math Workshop model.

Math workshop is a fast-paced model for how to run your math block. It includes 10-15 blocks of time so students are constantly moving and reigniting their focus.

Math Resources for 1st-5th Grade Teachers

We hope you found this information about improving student engagement in math helpful! If you need math resources for your classroom, then check out these time-saving math collections below! They include printable and digital resources that were designed specifically for your grade level.

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

In closing, we hope this information about improving student engagement when teaching elementary math is helpful. We know how important student engagement in math is and are so excited to share this information with you! Next, we would love for you to try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways. You can download grade level worksheets and other math freebies in our free printable math activities for elementary teachers.

Check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post 10 Tips for Improving Student Engagement in Math During Whole Group in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

One of the best things about the Math Workshop model (also known as Guided Math Workshop) is that it can be used with any math curriculum program. It doesn’t matter if your school district uses Envisions 2.0, EveryDay Math, Go Math, Eureka, Math in Focus, Investigations, Singapore Math, or any other math program. You can reconstruct any math curriculum into a Math Workshop model, which will improve student engagement, learning of the concepts and skills, and standardized test scores.

This blog post will answer the following questions about teaching elementary math:

• Why should I not follow my curriculum program with fidelity?
• Can any math curriculum be used with Math Workshop?
• What are some ideas for how to fit my math curriculum into the elementary Math Workshop model?

5 Reasons Why You Should Not Follow Your Math Program with Fidelity

Teaching with fidelity means that you follow a curriculum program to the letter. You do not steer away from it at any point, supplement with additional resources, or stray from the pacing guide. As educators, we know this does not align with best teaching practices.

Here are 5 reasons why you should not follow your math program with fidelity:

1. There is no one size that fits all. Second grade students across the country (or across the hall for that matter), for example, do not learn the same way or at the same pace. Teachers need the flexibility to make instructional decisions based on their individual students’ needs.
2. Many math curriculum programs are mostly whole-group instruction. As teachers, we know that elementary students should not sit on the rug for more than 15 minutes. This is not best practice teaching. Students need to be engaging in a variety of short hands on math learning experiences in order to make sense of math concepts and skills.
3. Many math curriculum programs do not include Guided Math instruction, which is differentiated small group instruction. This is an important component of best practice math instruction.
4. They are often outdated and don’t align to current math standards. Curriculum programs are very expensive, which makes school districts and school board members reluctant to replace them. Unfortunately, this means that some school districts have curriculum programs that do not adequately align to the current standards.
5. No math curriculum accounts for the vastly different educational experiences students had during COVID-19. Some students rarely logged onto Zoom or completed assignments. Others were homeschooled or benefitted from a private tutor. Differentiating instruction in math is more important now than ever before.

Can Any Math Curriculum be Used with the Math Workshop Model?

YES! You can reconstruct any math curriculum to fit into a Math Workshop model. We have personally used it with Investigations, EveryDay Math, Envisions, and Engage NY (Eureka). Read below to get some elementary Math Workshop ideas for reconstructing curriculum programs to fit the framework.

5 Ideas for Using the Math Workshop Model with any Curriculum

Here are 5 ideas for how to use the elementary Math Workshop model with any math curriculum program:

• Use the day’s lesson from the curriculum program as a 10-15 minute mini lesson. This will likely mean you need to condense it.
• Incorporate the day’s lesson in your small Guided Math group. This is where you are able to offer differentiated instruction based on formative assessment data from the previous day or at the beginning of the unit.

• Use the program’s activity pages for the “at your seat” station. You may decide to do the activity pages in your small group with a couple of your lower groups. Your highest group will likely be able to complete it at an independent center. You can consider letting your students work with a partner in the “at your seat” center.
• Use the games from later in the week for the hands on station throughout the week. Oftentimes, curriculum programs save the math games for the end of the week or towards the end of the math block. Don’t be afraid to use them throughout the week or pull ones from previous units.
• Assign the program’s homework as you normally would.

Math Resources for 1st-5th Grade Teachers

If you need printable and digital math resources for your classroom, then check out my math collections below. They will save you time and money!

Try a Collection of our Math Resources for Free!

In closing, we hope these Math Workshop ideas and information about how to use a Math Workshop model with your curriculum program is helpful. Next, we would love for you to try these math resources with your students. They offer elementary students opportunities to practice grade level concepts and skills in fun and engaging ways. You can download worksheets specific to your grade level (along with lots of other math freebies) in our free printable math resources bundle. Use this link: free printable math activities for elementary teachers. They are great for Guided Math Workshop centers!

Check out these other math resources!

• 1st Grade Math Resources
• 2nd Grade Math Resources
• 3rd Grade Math Resources
• 4th Grade Math Resources
• 5th Grade Math Resources

The post 5 Tips for Using a Math Workshop Model with a Curriculum Program appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.