Activities, Projects, & Strategies

Problem solving is a life skill as we all problem solve everyday. Word problems provide context for math concepts and problem solving. From applying literacy skills to word problems to integrating computational thinking concepts, problem solving and word problems can strengthen students' critical thinking and help students to connect the math they are learning to their world.

Daily cumulative reviews are a key strategy for supporting student retention of learning. Daily cumulative reviews only need to include a few questions each day. These questions can be integrated as part of morning work, class opening activity, homework, or another instructional component.

Number sense is fundamental to computation and to learning, understanding, and applying math concepts. Developing number sense starts from when students learn to count and recognize numbers. Students with strong number sense tend to be stronger with computation and rely less on memorization and more on understanding and applying number concepts. Number sense not only includes whole numbers, but also includes decimals, fractions, integers - essentially, all types of numbers.

Algebra concepts are integrated throughout math content in all grades. Students often struggle to see the real-life application of algebra concepts. Understanding and application of algebra concepts is fundamental for higher level math not only because of the foundational concepts provided, but also because of the critical thinking and problem solving that can be fostered with applying concepts.

Geometry is often the part of math that students like best as it utilizes different thinking skills than computation. Geometry, though, is the topic most often skipped over when content deadlines are tight. Integrating geometry throughout the year is an effective way to support students in seeing other types of math and applying concepts in a different context.

Statistics and data surround us. From statistics on crime to health issues and a plethora of other topics, statistics and data are commonly seen everyday. It is essential for students to develop a solid understanding of statistics and data as the concepts can strengthen students' abilities to interpret information and to evaluate the validity of information.

Math discussions are an important component of an effective math classroom. Productive discussions allow students to share ideas and approaches and to learn from each other. Explaining and discussing methods and solutions can strengthen student understanding and application of concepts and skills. Discussions also strengthen social emotional learning skills.

Choice boards can be an easy and creative way to provide students with choice in their learning. From selecting projects to problems to solve, choice boards can be integrated in a variety of ways.