Multiplying and dividing integers is the perfect math concept - the computation is relatively simple, there are opportunities for hands-on learning with manipulatives, and there are an abundance of explanations that support the conceptual understanding. However, it is a little tricky! Be sure to read “How to Teach Integer Operations” where we cover the specifics on adding and ...
Multiplying Fractions with Models
Multiplying fractions: the good news - the process for teaching modeling fraction multiplication is much more straightforward than teaching dividing fractions with models! But if you are teaching fraction multiplication, then you will most likely be teaching dividing fractions shortly, so be sure to check out our dividing fractions post where you can get a free guide.While the standards ...
Promoting Perseverance in Math
Do your students give up as soon as they see a problem that requires a little more effort? Promoting perseverance is a highly complex skill to teach! This problem recently was brought up in our Facebook group, and our amazing community of teachers delivered some spectacular solutions. While I have written on cultivating a growth mindset in your classroom in the past, these ideas ...
End of the Year Ideas for Middle School
The end of the year is upon us! While there is no tired like teacher tired, I would argue that there is no tired like end of year teacher tired. If you are reading this, hopefully, state testing is behind you and you are looking for some easy ways to make the end of the year memorable but doable. Here are 8 end of the year ideas for middle school.1. Try Something NewIf there is ...
Strengthening Classroom Culture Through Projects
At Maneuvering the Middle, we are all reading Project Based Teaching by Suzie Boss and John Larmers. Throughout the next few months, we will be discussing what we are learning as we read the book. There are 7 best practices for Project Best Teaching, and today we are covering building a strong classroom culture.If you are interested in incorporating more projects in your classroom, then ...
Volume Activities and 7 Teaching Tips
Volume is one of my favorite middle school math skills to teach. The skill is visual and concrete, requires sketching pictures (which is always fun to tease what a great artist I am), and the operations required for solving allow for spiraled practice. A real winner from this teacher’s point of view!Here are my 7 tips/ideas for teaching volume in a way that students will get the most ...
How to Teach Solving for Y
Solving for y is necessary for 8th grade math and Algebra 1. It is often a pain point for students and teachers. Let’s talk about how solving for y is important and tips for teaching it.Why Students Need to Solve for YWhile “solving for y” is not mentioned in any specific standard, it is necessary for so many other standards: A.2(B) write linear equations in two variables in various ...
Teacher Appreciation Ideas
Teacher appreciation week is hands down my favorite school season! In fact, one year I was on maternity leave during teacher appreciation week, I actually considered driving up to school to get in on some of the fun goodies that were being shared. Check out some of the best teacher appreciation gifts I have received and some ideas for doing it on a budget.Who is Teacher Appreciation ...
Teaching Multiplication Facts in Middle School
Teaching multiplication facts is not often practiced in middle school. Do middle school students need to have their multiplication facts memorized? Regardless of your answer, I think most math teachers would agree that multiplication fluency helps students see patterns, relationships, and supports more complex mathematical processes. If you are covering middle school standards, you don’t ...
How to Use MTM Standardized Test Prep Unit
Test prep and review season is upon us! Maneuvering the Middle’s test prep unit literally saved me for the 4 years I used it, so I thought I would share what’s included with some ideas for using it in your classroom.Hopefully, these components will help streamline your test prep for state assessments and keep students engaged at the same time. What's IncludedThere is SO much ...