10 Tips and Ideas for How to Teach Calendar

Scoop up the 10 tips and ideas for how to teach calendar in your classroom below.

1. Display a Physical Calendar

Make a full size calendar accessible in your classroom by displaying it in your whole group area. Having this will make it so you can easily point out the different parts of the calendar: days, weeks, and months. When you are teaching these concepts, emphasize that there are seven days of the week and identify their names. Check out this post if you need help with how to set up a classroom calendar area!

2. Create a Daily Routine

Establishing a daily routine for calendar is important. Some popular times to teach calendar is at the beginning of the school day during morning meeting and at the at the beginning of your math block.

3. Introduce the Concept of Time

Teach the concept of time by explaining that time helps us understand when things happen. Specifically, we use a calendar to keep track of what day it is, when special events occur, or when we celebrate birthdays.

4. Discuss Months and Seasons

When talking about the months of the year and their order, tie in the different seasons and how they relate to the months. Be sure to include how seasons change throughout the year. It can be helpful to discuss weather patterns as part of this. All of my classroom decor themes include printables that you can use to teach months and seasons.

5. Teach Days of the Week

Explicitly teach the days of the week, their names, and their order. I recommend including a display on your calendar wall that has the days of the week listed in order. This is also included in all of my classroom decor themes. Another great way to teach days of the week is through a song.

6. Count Days

Model how to count the days on the calendar. Demonstrate how to count the days on the calendar. You can start from a specific date and count forward or backward. It’s fun for students to count how many more days until the weekend, a field trip, or an upcoming holiday.

7. Identify Special Dates

Highlight holidays, student birthdays, or school events on the classroom calendar. Encourage your students to recognize and remember these dates. Related to the tip above, have students count how many days until the special day to build excitement.

8. Utilize Interactive Activities

Invite students to engage in interactive activities related to the calendar. Check out this set of calendar activities! This activity set includes calendar task cards that save you time from having to think of question prompts to ask students, a recording sheet for the task cards so you can use them as an assessment, 3 versions of the monthly calendar activity so you can differentiate to meet your students’ needs, a calendar math activity that can be used over and over again throughout the school year, and a digital and editable version of the activities so you can customize them to fit your needs.

9. Embrace Repetition

Maintaining a routine will give students the regular review and practice they need to internalize calendar concepts and skills. It will help them maintain their knowledge and solidify their understanding.

10. Integrate Math Skills

Calendar time provides a fantastic opportunity to integrate grade level math skills. Check out this post for how to teach calendar math for lots of tips and inspiration.

Get All of Our Math Resources

Check out our grade level math clubs below to learn how you can access all of our math resources, including our calendar resources.

In closing, we hope you found these tips and ideas for how to teach calendar helpful! If you haven’t already, we recommend checking out these posts too: How to Set Up a Classroom Calendar Area and How to Teach Calendar Math.

The post How to Teach Calendar to Elementary Students in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What is Volume?

Volume is a way to measure how much space a liquid takes up. In third grade, students explore measurement by determining when they need to use measurements of liquid volume in real world problems and, if the situation calls for it, they measure and estimate volumes of objects using standard units and tools.

Why is Volume Important?

It’s important for students to learn volume because it is an important skill used in our everyday lives. It helps us calculate how much space a liquid occupies. It also helps us while cooking, building and even conducting science experiments! 

What Volume Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the Common Core and TEKs standards that relate to volume that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

3rd Grade

• Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l). Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem. (3.MD.A.2)

TEKS

3rd Grade

• Determine when it is appropriate to use measurements of liquid volume (capacity) or weight. (3.7D)
• Determine liquid volume (capacity) or weight using appropriate units and tools. (3.7E)

5 Tips for How to Teach Volume

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching volume to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Volume

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching volume are Pastry School in Paris An Adventure in Capacity by Cindy Neuschwander, Perimeter, Area and Volume: A Monster Book of Dimensions by David A. Adler and Me and the Measure of Things by Joan Sweeney. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching volume are geoboards and a liquid measurement set. 

3. Explicitly Teach Related Math Vocabulary

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for volume are nonstandard unit, standard unit, measure, estimate, Metric system, Imperial system, fluid, liquid volume, capacity and liter (L). 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Volume to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use volume in the real world are to help us determine the amount of milk required for a recipe, to determine how much water is needed to fill a swimming pool, and to determine how much water we need every day in our diets. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice volume at home are when preparing food, filling up a vehicle’s gas tank or when adding detergent to a washing machine. 

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach volume helpful!

The post How to Teach Volume to 3rd Grade Students in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What is Time?

Time is a measurement used to quantify a consistent duration. The concept of time is something that continuously develops through life. 

Why is Time Important?

It is important for students to learn time because telling and writing time is used throughout our daily lives. Knowing how to tell and write time helps both children and adults manage their lives. Without knowing how to calculate time and elapsed time, we would often be late or even miss important events.

What Time Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the Common Core and TEKs standards that relate to time that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

1st Grade

• Tell and write time in hours and half-hours using analog and digital clocks. (1.MD.B.3)

2nd Grade

• Tell and write time from analog and digital clocks to the nearest five minutes, using a.m. and p.m. (2.MD.C.7)

3rd Grade

• Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in minutes. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals in minutes, e.g., by representing the problem on a number line diagram. (3.MD.A.1)

4th Grade

• Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money, including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Represent measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement scale. (4.MD.A.2)

TEKS

1st Grade

• Tell time to the hour and half hour using analog and digital clocks. (1.7.E)

2nd Grade

• Read and write time to the nearest one-minute increment using analog and digital clocks and distinguish between a.m. and p.m. (2.9G)

3rd Grade

• Determine the solutions to problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals in minutes using pictorial models or tools such as a 15-minute event plus a 30-minute event equals 45 minutes. (3.7C)

4th Grade

• Solve problems that deal with measurements of length, intervals of time, liquid volumes, mass, and money using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division as appropriate. (4.8.C)

5 Tips for How to Teach Time

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching time to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Time

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching time are I.Q., It’s Time by Mary Ann Fraser, The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle and Bats Around the Clock by Kathi Appelt. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend! 

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching time are clocks and elapsed time rulers. 

3. Explicitly Teach Related Math Vocabulary

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for time are time, clock, analog, digital, hour, minute, second, face, hands, hour hand, minute hand, big hand, little hand, short hand, long hand, morning, afternoon, evening, midnight, noon, o’clock, thirty, half hour, half past, read, A.M., P.M, skip-counting, quarter of, quarter past, (#) minutes past (hour), (#) minutes of (hour), , elapsed time, time intervals, number line diagram, pictorial models, event, start time, end time, benchmark numbers and landmark numbers. 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Time to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use time in the real world are to determine what time we need to leave our home to get to school or work. It also helps us arrive on time to the airport so we don’t miss your flight. A third example is that it helps us determine when we need to take cookies out of the oven. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice time at home are making a morning or bedtime schedule together, determining together as a group what time to start getting ready for school or calculating the time needed to travel and prepare in order to arrive at a party on time.

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach time helpful!

The post How to Teach Time in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What is Area?

Area is the amount of space covered by a two-dimensional shape. The formula for area is length times width (l x w). Students should develop a conceptual understanding of area before the formula is introduced. Be sure to keep this in mind when you teach area.

Why is Area Important?

It is important for students to learn area because there is a close relationship between area measurement and other mathematical concepts, such as multiplication, surface area and volume. As a result, area is a vital component of the mathematical curriculum. Without a strong understanding of what area means, students may face difficulty in understanding related concepts. 

What Area Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the Common Core and TEKs standards that relate to area. These define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

Below are the CCSS standards related to how to teach area.

3rd Grade

• Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement. (3.MD.C.5)
• A square with side length 1 unit, called “a unit square,” is said to have “one square unit” of area, and can be used to measure area. (3.MD.C.5.A)
• A plane figure which can be covered without gaps or overlaps by n unit squares is said to have an area of n square units. (3.MD.C.5.B)
• Measure areas by counting unit squares (square cm, square m, square in, square ft, and improvised units). (3.MD.C.)
• Relate area to the operations of multiplication and addition. (3.MD.C.)
• Find the area of a rectangle with whole-number side lengths by tiling it, and show that the area is the same as would be found by multiplying the side lengths. (3.MD.C.7.A)
• Multiply side lengths to find areas of rectangles with whole-number side lengths in the context of solving real world and mathematical problems, and represent whole-number products as rectangular areas in mathematical reasoning. (3.MD.C.7.B)
• Use tiling to show in a concrete case that the area of a rectangle with whole-number side lengths a and b + c is the sum of a × b and a × c. Use area models to represent the distributive property in mathematical reasoning. (3.MD.C.7.C)
• Recognize area as additive. Find areas of rectilinear figures by decomposing them into non-overlapping rectangles and adding the areas of the non-overlapping parts, applying this technique to solve real world problems. (3.MD.C.7.D)

4th Grade

• Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and mathematical problems. For example, find the width of a rectangular room given the area of the flooring and the length, by viewing the area formula as a multiplication equation with an unknown factor. (4.MD.A.3)

5th Grade

• Find the area of a rectangle with fractional side lengths by tiling it with unit squares of the appropriate unit fraction side lengths, and show that the area is the same as would be found by multiplying the side lengths. Multiply fractional side lengths to find areas of rectangles, and represent fraction products as rectangular areas. (5.NF.B.4.B)

TEKS

Below are the TEKS standards related to how to teach area.

3rd Grade

• Determine the area of rectangles with whole number side lengths in problems using multiplication related to the number of rows times the number of unit squares in each row; (3.6C)
• Decompose composite figures formed by rectangles into non-overlapping rectangles to determine the area of the original figure using the additive property of area; (3.6D)
• Decompose two congruent two-dimensional figures into parts with equal areas and express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole and recognize that equal shares of identical wholes need not have the same shape. (3.6E)

4th Grade

• Solve problems related to perimeter and area of rectangles where dimensions are whole numbers. (4.5.D)

5th Grade

• Represent and solve problems related to perimeter and/or area and related to volume. (5.4.H)

5 Tips for How to Teach Area

Below are 5 helpful tips for how to teach area to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Area

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching area are Perimeter, Area, and Volume by David Adler, Bigger, Better, Best! by Stuart J. Murphy and Sam’s Sneaker Squares by Nat Gabriel. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching area are geoboards and 1 inch tiles. 

3. Explicitly Teach Related Math Vocabulary

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for area are area, perimeter, formula, square foot, square inch, square meter, shaded, non-standard units, operation, plane figure, product, commutative property of multiplication, distributive property of multiplication, combined rectangle, addend, addition, area model, array, attribute, length, width, equation, expression, factor, multiply, dimensions, measure, space, side length, square unit, tiling, unknown, variable, square centimeter, overlap and gap. 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Area to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use area in the real world are to determine how much carpet is needed to be purchased to cover a floor, how much it would cost to have a lawn mowed, and the space needed to put in a new trampoline. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice area at home are they can work together to determine how much paint is needed to cover a wall, the size of a picture or the amount of space needed for a new couch. 

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach area helpful!

The post How to Teach Area to 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Students in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What is Perimeter?

Perimeter is the boundary that surrounds a shape. The perimeter can be found by finding the total length of the sides of a two-dimensional shape. 

Why is Perimeter Important?

It is important for students to learn perimeter because measurement helps to quantify physical space. In addition, perimeter provides a foundation for more advanced mathematics found in algebra, trigonometry and calculus. 

What Perimeter Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the Common Core and TEKs standards that relate to perimeter that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

Below are the CCSS related to how to teach perimeter.

3rd Grade

• Solve real world and mathematical problems involving perimeters of polygons, including finding the perimeter given the side lengths, finding an unknown side length, and exhibiting rectangles with the same perimeter and different areas or with the same area and different perimeters. (3.MD.D.8)

4th Grade

• Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and mathematical problems. For example, find the width of a rectangular room given the area of the flooring and the length, by viewing the area formula as a multiplication equation with an unknown factor. (4.MD.A.3)

TEKS

Below are the TEKS related to how to teach perimeter.

3rd Grade

• Determine the perimeter of a polygon or a missing length when given perimeter and remaining side lengths in problems; revised August 2017 15 (3.7B)

4th Grade

• Use models to determine the formulas for the perimeter of a rectangle (𝑙 + 𝑤 + 𝑙 + 𝑤 or 2𝑙 + 2𝑤), including the special formula for perimeter of a square (4𝑠) and the area of a rectangle (𝑙 x 𝑤); and (4.5.C)
• Solve problems related to perimeter and area of rectangles where dimensions are whole numbers. (4.5.D)

5th Grade

• Represent and solve problems related to perimeter and/or area and related to volume. (5.4.H)

5 Tips for How to Teach Perimeter

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching perimeter to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Perimeter

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching perimeter are Library Book: Spaghetti & Meatballs for All! A Math Story (Rise and Shine) by National Geographic Learning, Perimeter, Area, and Volume: A Monster Book of Dimensions by David Adler and Racing Around (Math Start series) by Stuart Murphy. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching perimeter are geoboards and 1 inch tiles. 

3. Explicitly Teach Related Math Vocabulary

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for perimeter are perimeter, area, formula, two-dimensional, one-dimensional, shapes, attribute, properties, parallelogram, row, parallel, dimensions, side, length, width, distance, units, measure, measurement, ruler, column, quadrilateral, polygon, rhombus, rectangle and square. 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Perimeter to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use perimeter in the real world are when putting up fencing in a yard, finding the total length of the boundary of a football field, or the length of material needed to make a frame for a picture. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice perimeter at home are working together to determine how many yards of Christmas lights they will need to hang around the house, building a pool or determining if a new table will fit in the dining room. 

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach perimeter helpful!

The post How to Teach Perimeter in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What are 2D Shapes?

2D Shapes are flat shapes that have only two dimensions – length and width, with no thickness or depth. Students will learn how to recognize, draw, compose, classify, sort, and identify two-dimensional shapes. 

Why are 2D Shapes Important?

It is important for students to learn 2D Shapes because geometry helps us better understand the world around us. Knowledge of 2D shapes helps us problem solve, read and write numbers and understand further geometric concepts. 

What 2D Shapes Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the Common Core and TEKs standards that relate to 2D Shapes that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

Below are the CCSS standards related to teaching 2D shapes.

1st Grade

• Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes. (1.G.A.1)
• Compose two-dimensional shapes (rectangles, squares, trapezoids, triangles, half-circles, and quarter-circles) or three-dimensional shapes (cubes, right rectangular prisms, right circular cones, and right circular cylinders) to create a composite shape, and compose new shapes from the composite shape. (1.G.A.2)

2nd Grade

• Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or a given number of equal faces. Identify triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes. (2.G.A.1)

3rd Grade

• Understand that shapes in different categories (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles, and others) may share attributes (e.g., having four sides), and that the shared attributes can define a larger category (e.g., quadrilaterals). Recognize rhombuses, rectangles, and squares as examples of quadrilaterals, and draw examples of quadrilaterals that do not belong to any of these subcategories. (3.G.A.1)

4th Grade

• Draw points, lines, line segments, rays, angles (right, acute, obtuse), and perpendicular and parallel lines. Identify these in two-dimensional figures. (4.G.A.1)
• Classify two-dimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines, or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size. Recognize right triangles as a category, and identify right triangles. (4.G.A.2)

5th Grade

• Understand that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category. For example, all rectangles have four right angles and squares are rectangles, so all squares have four right angles. (5.G.B.3)
• Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties. (5.G.B.4)

TEKS

Below are the TEKS standards related to teaching 2D shapes.

1st Grade

• Classify and sort regular and irregular two-dimensional shapes based on attributes. (1.6A)
• Distinguish between attributes that define a 2D or 3D figure and attributes that don’t. (1.6B)
• Create two-dimensional figures (circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares, rhombuses, and hexagons). (1.6C)
• Identify two-dimensional shapes, including circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares, as special rectangles, rhombuses, and hexagons and describe their attributes using formal geometric language. (1.6D)
• Identify three-dimensional solids (spheres, cones, cylinders, rectangular prisms (including cubes), and triangular prisms) and describe their attributes using formal geometric language. (1.6E)
• Compose two-dimensional shapes by joining two, three, or four figures to produce a target shape in more than one way. (1.6F)

2nd Grade

• Create two-dimensional shapes based on given attributes, including number of sides and vertices. (2.8A)
• Classify and sort polygons with 12 or fewer sides according to attributes, including identifying the number of sides and number of vertices. (2.8C)
• Classify and sort three-dimensional solids, including spheres, cones, cylinders, rectangular prisms (including cubes as special rectangular prisms), and triangular prisms, based on attributes using formal geometric language. (2.8B)
• Compose two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional solids with given properties or attributes. (2.8D)
• Decompose two-dimensional shapes such as cutting out a square from a rectangle, dividing a shape in half, or partitioning a rectangle into identical triangles and identify the resulting geometric parts. (2.8E)

3rd Grade

• Classify and sort two- and three-dimensional figures, including cones, cylinders, spheres, triangular and rectangular prisms, and cubes, based on attributes using formal geometric language. (3.6A)
• Use attributes to recognize rhombuses, parallelograms, trapezoids, rectangles, and squares as examples of quadrilaterals and draw examples of quadrilaterals that do not belong to any of these subcategories. (3.6B)
• Decompose two congruent two-dimensional figures into parts with equal areas and express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole and recognize that equal shares of identical wholes need not have the same shape. (3.6E)

4th Grade

• Classify two-dimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size. (4.6.D)

5th Grade

• Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy of sets and subsets using graphic organizers based on their attributes and properties. (5.5.A)

5 Tips for How to Teach 2D Shapes

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching 2D Shapes to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach 2D Shapes

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching 2D Shapes are Ship Shapes by Stella Blackstone, Circus Shapes by Stuart J. Murphy and Icky Bug Shapes by Jerry Pallota. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching 2D Shapes are geometric shapes, pattern blocks and geoboards. 

3. Explicitly Teach Related Math Vocabulary

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for 2D Shapes are geometry, compose, two-dimensional shape, composite shape, attribute, non-defining attribute, defining attribute, regular, irregular, figure, shape, target shape, color, orientation, size, special, rectangle, rectangle, square, circle, triangle, rhombus, hexagon, trapezoid, triangle, half-circle, quarter-circle, properties, angle, face, side, vertice, polygon, quadrilateral, decompose, classify, sort, divide, identify, partition, pentagon and hexagon. 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply 2D Shapes to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use 2D Shapes in the real world are to plan out venue spaces as event planners, to design houses as architects and create art as a painter. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice 2D Shapes at home are to explore geometry in nature by going for a walk together to identify two-dimensional shapes such as hexagons in honeycomb cells of a beehive or circles within the stump of a tree.

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach 2D Shapes helpful!

The post How to Teach 2D Shapes at the Elementary Level in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What is Data?

Data is information that has been translated into a form that is efficient for movement or processing. We can quantify information by collecting, organizing and displaying data.

Why is Data Important?

It is important for students to learn about data because in today’s busy society, we have access to huge amounts of information! As a result, we find simple ways to communicate, generate, sort, represent, organize and interpret data.

What Data Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the Common Core and TEKs standards that relate to data that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

Below are the CCSS standards related to teaching data.

1st Grade

• Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer questions about the total number of data points, how many in each category, and how many more or less are in one category than in another. (1.MD.C.4)

2nd Grade

• Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put-together, take-apart, and compare problems using information presented in a bar graph. (2.MD.D.10)
• Generate measurement data by measuring lengths of several objects to the nearest whole unit, or by making repeated measurements of the same object. Show the measurements by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in whole-number units. (2.MD.D.9)

3rd Grade

• Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step “how many more” and “how many less” problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs. For example, draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets. (3.MD.B.3)
• Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units -whole numbers, halves, or quarters. (3.MD.B.4)
• Identify arithmetic patterns (including patterns in the addition table or multiplication table), and explain them using properties of operations. For example, observe that 4 times a number is always even, and explain why 4 times a number can be decomposed into two equal addends. (3.OA.D.9)

4th Grade

• Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions by using information presented in line plots. For example, from a line plot find and interpret the difference in length between the longest and shortest specimens in an insect collection. (4.MD.B.4)

5th Grade

• Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots. For example, given different measurements of liquid in identical beakers, find the amount of liquid each beaker would contain if the total amount in all the beakers were redistributed equally. (5.MD.B.2)

TEKS

Below are the TEKS standards related to teaching data.

1st Grade

• Collect, sort, and organize data in up to three categories using models/representations such as tally marks or T-charts. (1.8A)
• Use data to create picture and bar-type graphs. (1.8B)
• Draw conclusions and generate and answer questions using information from picture and bar-type graphs. (1.8C)

2nd Grade

• Explain that the length of a bar in a bar graph or the number of pictures in a pictograph represents the number of data points for a given category; (2.10A)
• Organize a collection of data with up to four categories using pictographs and bar graphs with intervals of one or more. (2.10B)
• Write and solve one-step word problems involving addition or subtraction using data represented within pictographs and bar graphs with intervals of one. (2.10C)
• Draw conclusions and make predictions from information in a graph. (2.10D)

3rd Grade

• Summarize a data set with multiple categories using a frequency table, dot plot, pictograph, or bar graph with scaled intervals; and (3.8A)
• Solve one- and two-step problems using categorical data represented with a frequency table, dot plot, pictograph, or bar graph with scaled intervals. (3.8B)
• Represent real-world relationships using number pairs in a table and verbal descriptions. (3.5E)

4th Grade

• Represent data on a frequency table, dot plot, or stem-and-leaf plot marked with whole numbers and fractions; and (4.9.A)
• Solve one- and two-step problems using data in whole number, decimal, and fraction form in a frequency table, dot plot, or stem-and-leaf plot. (4.9.B)

5th Grade

• Represent categorical data with bar graphs or frequency tables and numerical data, including data sets of measurements in fractions or decimals, with dot plots or stem-and-leaf plots; (5.9.A)
• Represent discrete paired data on a scatterplot; and (5.9.B)
• Solve one- and two-step problems using data from a frequency table, dot plot, bar graph, stem-and-leaf plot, or scatterplot. (5.9.C)

5 Tips for How to Teach Data

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching data to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Data

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching data are Tally O’Malley by Stuart J. Murphy, The Great Graph Contest by Loreen Leedy and Lemonade for Sale by Stuart J. Murphy. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching data are cuisenaire rods, geoboards and coordinate plane dry erase mats. 

3. Explicitly Teach Related Math Vocabulary

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for data are bar graph, compare, conclusion, data, data point, data set, chart, collect, graph, increment, key, organize, pictograph, picture graph, scale, sort, table, tally mark, addend, Associative Property, categories, Commutative Property, display, Distributive Property, dot plot, equal to, even number, explain, fourths, frequency, halves, horizontal, identify, interval, label, length, less, line, plot, locate, mark, measure, measurement, more, multiplication table, number patterns, number relationship, odd number, one-step, pattern, prediction, put-together, quarters, rule, same, scaled bar graph, take-apart, two-step, unit, whole numbers. 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Data to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use data in the real world are collecting and organizing data to help the lunch staff prepare the proper amount of lunches for the school, to take attendance and demonstrate our progress towards being proficient in our math facts. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice data at home are by creating a bar graph representing the different kinds of jelly beans in a bag or by collecting and sorting data as their child is eating food, such as trail mix.

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach data helpful!

The post Teaching Data at the Elementary Level in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What is Measurement?

Measurement shows the size or amount of something. A measurement is made by comparing a quantity with a standard unit. During their time in elementary school, students explore the Metric System and Imperial System. 

Why is Measurement Important?

It is important for students to learn measurement because it is an important skill used in our everyday lives. For example, we often measure time, temperature, distance, speed, and weight to navigate daily life.

What Measurement Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the Common Core and TEKs standards that relate to measurement that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

Below are the CCSS related to how to teach measurement.

1st Grade

• Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object. (1.MD.A.1)
• Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps. Limit to contexts where the object being measured is spanned by a whole number of length units with no gaps or overlaps. (1.MD.A.2)

2nd Grade

• Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes. (2.MD.A.1)
• Measure the length of an object twice, using length units of different lengths for the two measurements; describe how the two measurements relate to the size of the unit chosen. (2.MD.A.2)
• Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters. (2.MD.A.3)
• Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit. (2.MD.A.4)
• Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as drawings of rulers) and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. (2.MD.B.5)

3rd Grade

• Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l). Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem. (3.MD.A.2)

4th Grade

• Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units including km, m, cm; kg, g; lb, oz.; l, ml; hr, min, sec. Within a single system of measurement, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Record measurement equivalents in a two-column table. For example, know that 1 ft is 12 times as long as 1 in. Express the length of a 4 ft snake as 48 in. Generate a conversion table for feet and inches listing the number pairs (1, 12), (2, 24), (3, 36), … (4.MD.A.1)
• Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money, including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Represent measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement scale. (4.MD.A.2)
• Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions by using information presented in line plots. For example, from a line plot find and interpret the difference in length between the longest and shortest specimens in an insect collection. (4.MD.B.4)

5th Grade

• Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system (e.g., convert 5 cm to 0.05 m), and use these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems. (5.MD.A.1)
• Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots. For example, given different measurements of liquid in identical beakers, find the amount of liquid each beaker would contain if the total amount in all the beakers were redistributed equally. (5.MD.B.2)

TEKS

Below are the TEKS related to how to teach measurement.

1st Grade

• Use measuring tools to measure the length of objects to reinforce the continuous nature of linear measurement; (1.7A)
• Illustrate that the length of an object is the number of same-size units of length that, when laid end-to-end with no gaps or overlaps, reach from one end of the object to the other; (1.7B)
• Measure the same object/distance with units of two different lengths and describe how and why the measurements differ; (1.7C)
• Describe a length to the nearest whole unit using a number and a unit; (1.7D)

2nd Grade

• Find the length of objects using concrete models for standard units of length; (2.9A)
• Describe the inverse relationship between the size of the unit and the number of units needed to equal the length of an object; (2.9B)
• Determine the length of an object to the nearest marked unit using rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, or measuring tapes; (2.9D)
• Determine a solution to a problem involving length, including estimating lengths; (2.9E)

3rd Grade

• Determine when it is appropriate to use measurements of liquid volume (capacity) or weight. (3.7D)
• Determine liquid volume (capacity) or weight using appropriate units and tools. (3.7E)

4th Grade

• Identify relative sizes of measurement units within the customary and metric systems; (4.8.A)
• Convert measurements within the same measurement system, customary or metric, from a smaller unit into a larger unit or a larger unit into a smaller unit when given other equivalent measures represented in a table; and (4.8.B)
• Solve problems that deal with measurements of length, intervals of time, liquid volumes, mass, and money using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division as appropriate. (4.8.C)

5th Grade

• Solve problems by calculating conversions within a measurement system, customary or metric. (5.7.A)
• Represent categorical data with bar graphs or frequency tables and numerical data, including data sets of measurements in fractions or decimals, with dot plots or stem-and-leaf plots; (5.9.A)

5 Tips for How to Teach Measurement 

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching measurement to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Measurement

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching measurement are How Big is a Foot? by Rolf Myller, How Long or How Wide: A Measuring Guide by Brian P. Cleary and How Long is a Whale? by Alison Limentani. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching measurement are tape measures, rulers, meter sticks and yardsticks. 

3. Explicitly Teach Related Math Vocabulary

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for measurement are order, compare, longer, shorter, difference, length, object, gap, overlap, units of measurement, length unit, measure, linear measurement, measuring tape, meter stick, yardstick, ruler, unit of measurement, standard unit, nonstandard unit, centimeter, meter, foot, inch, yard, compare, estimate, solution, length, result, open number line, Metric System, Imperial System, fluid, solid, liquid volume, capacity, mass, weight, gram (g), kilogram (kg) and liter (L). 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Measurement to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use measurement in the real world are to determine if we are tall enough to ride on a roller coaster, if our new toaster oven is small enough to fit on our counter, or what the distance is to our best friend’s house. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice measurement at home are determining the amount of milk required for a recipe, how much water is needed to fill a swimming pool, how much water we need every day in our diets, the load limit of a bridge, how many people are allowed on an elevator and the price of our produce at the grocery store.

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach measurement helpful!

The post How to Teach Measurement at the Elementary Level – 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What is Money?

Money is a medium of exchange for goods or services. In the United States, our money system is made up of dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. We use the $ symbol to represent the dollar and the ¢ symbol to represent cents. 

Why is Money Important?

It is important for students to learn about money because money skills are an important part of navigating through everyday life. In addition, by learning about money, students will develop a genuine respect for the value of the money they earn. 

What Money Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the Common Core and TEKs standards that relate to money that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

Below are the CCSS related to how to teach money.

2nd Grade

• Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately. Example: If you have 2 dimes and 3 pennies, how many cents do you have? (2.MD.C.8)

TEKS

Below are the TEKS related to how to teach money.

1st Grade

• Identify U.S. coins, including pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters, by value and describe the relationships among them. (1.4.A)
• Write a number with the cent symbol to describe the value of a coin. (1.4.B)
• use relationships to count by twos, fives, and tens to determine the value of a collection of pennies, nickels, and/or dimes (1.4.C)

2nd Grade

• Determine the value of a collection of coins up to one dollar; (2.5A)
• Use the cent symbol, dollar sign, and the decimal point to name the value of a collection of coins. (2.5B)

3rd Grade

• Determine the value of a collection of coins and bills. (3.4C)

5 Tips for How to Teach Money

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching money to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Money

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching money are Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst, A Dollar, a Penny, How Much and How Many by Brian P. Cleary and The Coin Counting Book by Rozanne Lanczak Williams. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching money are U.S. coins and bills and cash registers. 

3. Explicitly Teach Related Math Vocabulary

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for money are dime, dollar bill, nickel, penny, quarter, bill, $ (dollar sign), ⊄ (cent sign), total value, coins, money, dollar sign, cent, decimal point and dollar. 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Money to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use money in the real world are to pay for services, purchases, food, loans and much more! Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice money at home are using coins and dollar bills to purchase a toy in the store, buy gas for the family car and to pay for a haircut.

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach money helpful!

The post How to Teach Money to 2nd Graders in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What is Financial Literacy?

Financial Literacy is developing the skills and strategies that promote personal and financial responsibility. For example, financial literacy helps us determine how much money we need to save to buy a new video game, the benefits and costs of lending money to our friends, and even how to properly price an item we built to sell to others. Introducing these skills early leads to a smart economic future for students. 

Why is Financial Literacy Important?

It is important for students to learn financial literacy because it leads to smart financial planning and decisions in the future. Students will learn to develop specific goals and details needed in order to reach those goals. 

What Financial Literacy Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the TEKS that relate to financial literacy that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

TEKS

1st Grade

• Define money earned as income; (1.9.A)
• Identify income as a means of obtaining goods and services, oftentimes making choices between wants and needs; (1.9.B)
• Distinguish between spending and saving; and (1.9.C)
• Consider charitable giving. (1.9.D)

2nd Grade

• calculate how money saved can accumulate into a larger amount over time; (2.11A)
• explain that saving is an alternative to spending; (2.11B)
• distinguish between a deposit and a withdrawal; (2.11C)
• identify examples of borrowing and distinguish between responsible and irresponsible borrowing; (2.11D)
• identify examples of lending and use concepts of benefits and costs to evaluate lending decisions; and (2.11E)  
• differentiate between producers and consumers and calculate the cost to produce a simple item. (2.11F)

3rd Grade

• explain the connection between human capital/labor and income; (3.9A)
• describe the relationship between the availability or scarcity of resources and how that impacts cost; (3.9B)
• identify the costs and benefits of planned and unplanned spending decisions; (3.9C)
• explain that credit is used when wants or needs exceed the ability to pay and that it is the borrower’s responsibility to pay it back to the lender, usually with interest; (3.9D)
• list reasons to save and explain the benefit of a savings plan, including for college; (3.9E)
• Identify decisions involving income, spending, saving, credit, and charitable giving. (3.9F)

4th Grade

• distinguish between fixed and variable expenses; (4.10.A)
• calculate profit in a given situation; (4.10.B)
• compare the advantages and disadvantages of various savings options; (4.10.C)
• describe how to allocate a weekly allowance among spending; saving, including for college; and sharing; and (4.10.D)
• describe the basic purpose of financial institutions, including keeping money safe, borrowing money, and lending. (4.10.E)

5th Grade

• define income tax, payroll tax, sales tax, and property tax; (5.10.A)
• explain the difference between gross income and net income; (5.10.B)
• identify the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of payment, including check, credit card, debit card, and electronic payments; (5.10.C)
• develop a system for keeping and using financial records; (5.10.D)
• describe actions that might be taken to balance a budget when expenses exceed income; and (5.10.E)
• balance a simple budget. (5.10.F)

5 Tips for How to Teach Financial Literacy

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching financial literacy to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Financial Literacy

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching financial literacy are Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst, The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense by Stan and Jan Berenstain and The Penny Pot by Stuart J. Murphy. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching financial literacy are U.S. coins and bills and a cash register. 

3. Explicitly Teach Related Math Vocabulary

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students, but it is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for financial literacy are choice, cost, decision making, goods, incentive, savings, services, wants, produce, human capital, charitable giving, bargain, budget, compare, give, investing, price, save, spend, benefits, costs, savings plan, balance, decimal point, expense, income, earnings, checks, dollar sign ($), manage, lending, availability, interest, consumer, producer, worth, barter, exchange, money, tools, labor, borrowing, scarcity, borrower, allowance, checking account, cent sign (¢), register, check stub, checking account, calculate, deposit, withdrawal, resources, credit, fixed expenses, variable expenses, profit, financial institutions, tax, payroll tax, sales tax, property tax, net income, credit card, debit card, electronic payments and financial records. 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Financial Literacy to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use financial literacy in the real world are to save for a new toy, determine the amount of income we will need to go to the movie theater, or help us save to make a charitable donation to a local animal shelter. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice financial literacy at home are working together to determine how much income needs to be saved to make a purchase for a new toy, have conversations about producers and consumers while running errands or discuss the benefits of saving for a vocational school or college. 

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach financial literacy helpful!

The post How to Teach Financial Literacy to Elementary Students in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.