Students: When Did Illustrative Math Become a Challenge?

Exploring the uphill battle for students lagging behind in elementary math skills when facing Illustrative Math. For those several grade levels behind, it’s not just challenging; it can feel like hitting a brick wall with no way around. While it may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, fear not! We’ll dive into the heart of the issue and unveil practical strategies to empower you as a teacher, transforming frustration into triumph for your struggling students.

Read More

Illustrative Math Woes: How I Turned Doubt into Triumph and Found My Teaching Groove Again in 2nd Grade

Can we talk about a real struggle we’ve all faced at some point? That feeling when you’re knee-deep in Illustrative Math and suddenly find yourself questioning every teaching move you’ve ever made. Yeah, it’s rough. But let me tell you, there’s light at the end of that tunnel. So, picture […]

Read More

Fun with Choice Boards! 9 Engaging Activities for Second Graders

You know, math doesn’t have to be a snooze-fest. In fact, with the right activities, it can be a total blast! So, if you’re ready to shake things up and have some fun with your second-grade class, you’re in for a treat. Math choice boards. Alright, folks, let’s get real. […]

Read More

Help With Math Gaps? Interactive Notebooks for 2nd Grade.

Did you know there’s a secret weapon teachers are using to tackle the problem of math gaps? Enter interactive notebooks! They’re making a big difference, especially when paired with the Illustrative Math curriculum. Math Gaps – Understanding the issue. Picture this: innovative math curriculum, eager students, but lots of gaps […]

Read More

Fail-Proof Fractions Made Easy: 3rd Grade Struggles Unraveled with Understanding Fractions on a Number Line

Teaching 3rd-grade math has its highs and lows, and right now, we’re in the thick of Unit 5, Section B. Fractions on a number line seem to be the stumbling block for many of my students. If you’re nodding along, wondering how to help your class crack this concept, read […]

Read More

Reach New Heights in Literacy: Discover the Best Ways to Boost 2nd Grade ELA Skills with Engaging Spiral Reviews in Phonics and Grammar!

Let’s be real about kindergarten mornings – they’re basically a mini adventure every day! The classroom buzzes with students arriving, parents inquiring, backpacks finding their way, and the attendance dance that never seems to end. It’s easy for the chaos to feel like a spinning top, especially right as that […]

Read More

Easy Mornings, Bright Minds: 5 Benefits of Our Kindergarten Morning Work!

Let’s be real about kindergarten mornings – they’re basically a mini adventure every day! The classroom buzzes with students arriving, parents inquiring, backpacks finding their way, and the attendance dance that never seems to end. It’s easy for the chaos to feel like a spinning top, especially right as that […]

Read More

5 Proven Ways to Keep Your 2nd Grader Excited About Illustrative Mathematics

Teaching Illustrative Mathematics can be a bit tricky, and sometimes students can feel like math is a puzzle they can’t solve. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore common challenges teachers face when teaching Illustrative Mathematics and share practical solutions that will make math more exciting for both […]

Read More