Common Core

Common Core, Math

Common Core Math: Breaking Down the Standards for 1st and 2nd Grade

Common core math, or new math, if you don’t use common core, isn’t all that new anymore. However, many teachers still struggle with being sure they are fully teaching each standard. It can be tricky because common core standards are deep, not wide. Each grade level strand is designed to push our students to dive deeply into it. Instead of…

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Common Core, Intervention, Math

Common Core Math: Have your students REALLY mastered that math skill?

How can you be sure that you are fully addressing all aspects of each common core math standard?  That is the question that I asked myself when I created my Activities by the Standard resources for first grade and second grade. I’ve created resources that helps you streamline your instruction, reduce planning time, and ensures that you address every aspect…

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Common Core, Math

Interactive Math Notebooks: Why and Getting Started

Interactive Notebooks are not new, but in recent years they’ve become more and more popular. Interactive notebooks are used to allow students to express their creativity as they are learning throughout the year. They can be used for class notes, practice, and to show mastery of concepts, but the key part of interactive notebooks, and why they are so useful…

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Common Core, Math

How to Respond to Parents Who Question “New Math”

Have you ever had a parent point to the fact that their child was struggling on “new math” or questioned the “crazy” or “illogical” ways that their child is learning? What about a parent who just doesn’t understand why the kids can’t learn how to do things the “normal” way, like they did when they were in school? I’ve been there…

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