Welcome, fellow educators and math enthusiasts, in this post, we’ll explore the exciting world of addition and subtraction up to 1000. We’ll also address the frustrations that teachers may face when learning Illustrative Math in and out the classroom. So, let’s dive in and make math an adventure for our young learners!
Understanding the Frustrations with Illustrative Mathematics:
Teaching is a labor of love, but even the most dedicated teachers encounter moments of frustration especially when it comes down to the lack of practice problems in the student workbooks.
I was in your shoes. I was an enthusiastic third-grade teacher embarked on their journey of implementing the Illustrative Math curriculum. Excited about its focus on conceptual understanding, I was determined to create an engaging and meaningful math experience for their students.
However, as they delved deeper into the curriculum, they realized that finding suitable practice problems and workbooks aligned with the Illustrative Math approach was a daunting task. Each unit is broken down into topics and those topics had 2 practice problems max. How are students expected to get mastery with just two practice problems? A new day, a new topic.
My frustrations grew, for my students yearning for more practice problems and struggling to internalize the concepts. I needed to find a solution to bridge the gap between theory and application, between the curriculum and the students’ learning needs.
Easy and Fun Math Worksheets for Addition and Subtraction:
Determined to find a solution, I decided decided to take matters into their own hands. I was in Facebook groups for IM math and the teachers all had the same situation. I decided to create easy and fun worksheets that would align with the Illustrative Math principles while providing the much-needed practice my students craved.
1. Addition and Subtraction up to 1000 worksheets
These teacher designed worksheets allow students to explore addition and subtraction through the lens of expanded form plus algorithms. The worksheets provided a tangible representation of regrouping and borrowing, making the process easier to comprehend. Each addition and subtraction algorithm is broken down step by step so the student can see how each process works.
2. “Mystery Number” Riddles
In my quest to make math enjoyable, at ITAV we created intriguing riddles that required students to apply estimation to unveil the mystery. These riddles not only sharpened students’ problem-solving skills but also made learning an adventure. The student’s partner has to guess the number based on the clues that are given. Each student takes turns coming up with a number and writing out their own clues.
3. Word Problem Bonanza
Our word problems that mirrored real-world scenarios including classroom helpers, athletes, plus more. By connecting math to practical situations, students not only developed their computation abilities but also grasped the relevance of addition and subtraction in their daily lives.
Illustrative Math Workbooks:
With these newly created worksheets in hand, my students’ faces lit up with newfound enthusiasm for math. The frustration they once felt transformed into pride and accomplishment, as they witnessed the positive impact of their efforts. Teachers have given us great reviews for our math worksheets, because it is exactly what they were looking for.
Our Illustrative math worksheets can be used for intervention, homework, math centers, plus more. Also included is the Illustrative math learning targets and checkpoints. Not to mention, assessments for each block. Plus answer keys are included.
Success in the classroom
Teaching addition and subtraction up to 1000 can be a transformative experience when educators unite to overcome challenges. I received great input in the Facebook groups. While frustrations may arise when the resources we seek are scarce, the power of collaboration and innovation can lead to remarkable outcomes.
By creating easy and fun worksheets that align with Illustrative Math principles, we can empower our students to develop a deep understanding of math while fostering a love for learning. Let us continue this journey, celebrating the resilience of teachers and the boundless potential of our students.
Together, we can make math an adventure filled with joy, discovery, and growth!
