
Number Sense: Quantity Discrimination
Show a little kid two sticks of cotton candy – one big and the other small. Ask which one they want. If he or she likes cotton candy at all, chances are the default choice is the larger stick of candy. Why? Because most people enjoy eating sweet treats, and they want the stick with more cotton candy. The child looked at the two sets, compared the size, and determined which one is more. That skill is called visual discrimination, and it’s the underpinning for our topic today – Quantity Discrimination. What is Quantity Discrimination? Now consider two sets of lollipops. The first is just a single lollipop. The second set has 4. Ask a group of kids which set they would like to have.

Number Sense: Quantity Discrimination
Show a little kid two sticks of cotton candy – one big and the other small. Ask which one they want. If he or she likes cotton candy at all, chances are the default choice is the larger stick of candy. Why? Because most people enjoy eating sweet treats, and
recent posts

Amazing Apps that Integrate with Google Classroom
We live in an increasingly connected world. When even our youngest students go home from school, many spend time on some type of electronic device.

Teaching Math with Number Bonds
Let me just say, I love number bonds! They are invaluable tools that are underutilized and undervalued, in my opinion, in many elementary classrooms. No

Getting Started with Rekenreks
Rekenreks. Have you heard of them? If you’ve been in a lower elementary classroom, then surely you’ve seen one before. I remember the first time

More to Math Fluency
Today we’re talking all about fluency – math fluency to be specific. Much like fluency in reading, developing fluency in math is just as important.

Math Activities to Build Number Sense
If you’ve been in an elementary classroom for any period of time, then I’m sure you know the importance of hands-on activities! It’s a must,

Is Teaching Nonsense Word Fluency Nonsense?
Today I’m talking nonsense. Nonsense words, specifically CVC words. I’m sure you’re wondering, “Okay, so if they’re not real words, then why should students even

10 Fun Ways to Practice Sight Words
I spy with my little eye… ten fun ways to teach and practice sight words! Teaching high-frequency words can actually be fun. That’s right! There

Are Sight Words Really THAT Important?
So, let’s talk about sight words. Do we really need them? In a word- YES! Sight words are important, and they’re here to stay. There

Phonics Focus: Digraphs and Diphthongs
Hello busy teachers, and welcome back to another post dedicated to phonics! Phonics plays a cornerstone role in the development of so many foundational skills

Phonics Focus: Blends vs. Digraphs
If you’re an elementary teacher reading this, then you probably know the importance of phonics in the early grades. I would venture to say that

Digital Phonics for Word Work
Prior to virtual learning, phonics could be practiced so many ways in your kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms. Previously, students could easily meet

Why Google Classroom is Essential
Hey busy teacher! What is your #teachermood right now? I have been struggling just to keep my head above water. So… yeah. This school year

The Reading Comprehension Struggle
So here was my teacher struggle. My first grade classroom was a mixed-ability group with students on both ends of the special needs spectrum. Some

Flex Seating in Fourth
I’m sitting here looking through my Drive files, and I ran across some pictures of my 4th grade math classroom and all of our flex

Making Math Homework Work
Do you hate checking math homework? In the words of Jack Prelutsky- Homework! Oh, Homework! I hate you! You stink!I wish I could wash you away
Categories

From Setbacks to Success
Going into my first year teaching, I just knew that all of my students were going to be successful. Without a doubt and without reservation,

How to Build Great Relationships with Parents
Kind. Caring. Respectful. These are often adjectives that parents provide when explaining what they hope for in a new teacher. It’s easy to see how

What’s Your Why?
Summer is a time for rest and relaxation for many teachers. We begin our summer break exhausted from the work we’ve done all year in