If you teach Grade 2 using Illustrative Mathematics, you may have noticed that some students need more support than the core lessons alone provide. You may have students who understand a concept during the lesson but struggle when they have to practice it independently. You may have students who need […]

Have you ever watched a student solve a math problem correctly… and then completely freeze when you ask them to explain how they got the answer? If you teach using Illustrative Mathematics, you’ve probably seen this happen more than once. Students are expected to discuss strategies, justify their reasoning, critique […]

There’s a sentence many teachers quietly say after teaching an Illustrative Mathematics lesson: “That moved way too fast” Not because the curriculum lacks rigor.Not because teachers aren’t trying hard enough. But because many students are still trying to understand the foundation while the lesson has already moved on. And teachers […]

Remember the first day back after spring break? The stories.The interruptions.The “WAIT, I forgot one more thing!” Half the class bursting to share.The other half staring at you because they “did nothing.”And somehow 20 minutes of your writing block just… disappears. We’ve all lived it. That’s exactly why a structured […]

By the time February rolls around, the honeymoon phase of the school year is long gone.Valentine’s Day excitement is buzzing, routines feel shaky, and student focus? Let’s just say it’s… inconsistent. This is exactly why low-prep February math becomes a teacher’s best friend. Instead of reinventing the wheel, February is […]

The first week back after winter break can feel a little… wobbly. Students are readjusting to routines, teachers are rebuilding momentum, and everyone needs a gentle reset, not more pressure. That’s where New Year math vision boards come in. These math-focused vision boards for 1st–3rd grade give students a calm, […]

Valentine’s Day in the classroom should feel joyful — not overwhelming. If you’re looking for a simple, low-prep craft that works for the whole class, this Valentine’s Day activity is a perfect fit for teachers across all grade levels. This heart-themed craft is designed to give students a chance to […]

The start of a new year is the perfect moment to introduce goal setting in a way that feels exciting and empowering for kids. Students love fresh starts just like we do. New goals, new energy, new possibilities. And when you give them a simple structure to turn those ideas […]

Thanksgiving week in the classroom can feel… a little chaotic. Between the short week, excited little humans, and all the seasonal energy buzzing around, having an activity that is engaging, fun, and easy to prep can feel like a miracle. That’s exactly why I created this Thanksgiving Flip Book “Thankful […]