Great Way to Look at the Mathematical Practices

Found a poster on the Internet that grouped the Mathematical Practices into mathematical behaviors. I made a poster to remind me, as I am lesson planning, to create activities that will weave these practices into the fabric of math.

Math - It Works

The Problem with Teaching Math After Lunch (Freebie)

Teach math after lunch? That means you have students who are suddenly sluggish and groggy. They're ready for a nap while you have visions of engaged, bright-eyed students tackling the toughest problems. 

One thing I've found helpful is to start math before they even finish walking in the door. I have a stack of "answer cards" that I lay out on the desks ahead of time. As they walk in the door I hand them a problem card. They need to solve it and find the answer. (Their desk for the day) Every day they will sit in a different spot. 

This strategy has kept students from getting too comfortable, gets them using math right away, is a great review, and sets the tone of the class. Here is a sample freebie to get you started! 

                                                                          Desk Cards

                                                                      Math - It Works

Number Hops (Freebie Included)

Have you tried a Number Hop lately? Just something I've been working on. I've had a lot of requests for quick (10 minute) warm-ups for math. Since 2nd graders work so much with place value and they really need to become fluent with numbers, I created Number Hops for 2nd grade. 

Students begin with a target number and add or subtract their way to the final number. I encourage them to do this mentally by working with tens first, then with ones. It can be done as a whole group but students really like to work on them individually. Try it out with the freebie below. I have a months supply for 2nd graders in my TPT store. 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Number Hops coming soon!

Download this Freebie

2nd Grade Number Hops

Penny