The Power of Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS)
I am so excited for today’s deep dive because we are going to tackle a topic that I know is close to all of our hearts as educators: classroom setup. Specifically, we’re diving into chapter […]
Author: justholladay
Unlocking Knowledge Mobility: Transforming Classrooms Through Collaborative Learning
What if the way we group students in our classrooms could completely transform how they learn? That’s the provocative question explored in Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms, and it’s the foundation for today’s deep dive […]
Breaking the Group Work Cycle: Unlocking Collaboration and Equity in Math Class
Today, we’re tackling something I think we all have some strong feelings about: group work. Specifically, in math class. Inspired by insights from the book Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, we’ll explore how the way […]
Building Thinking Classrooms That Inspire Curiosity and Confidence
Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that has truly transformed the way I think about teaching math. We’re going to explore Peter Liljedahl’s book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics. This book is packed with […]
Leftover: A Novel Approach to Teaching Place Value During Lunchtime
If you’re on the hunt for an engaging, innovative, and collaborative method to teach place value to your students, look no further! Introducing “Leftover” – a lunchtime place value game. This game is a fantastic […]
The Power of Low-Floor, High-Ceiling Math Tasks
What if math could be the subject every student looked forward to—a place where everyone, regardless of their skill level, felt both challenged and capable? That’s the power of low-floor, high-ceiling tasks: they transform math […]
Engaging Middle Schoolers with Integers through the Game “Switch”
Teaching integers to middle school students can often feel like climbing a steep hill. The concept of positive and negative numbers can be abstract and challenging for students to grasp. But what if I told […]
Building Thinking Classrooms: Transforming Math Education for the 21st Century
Imagine walking into a classroom buzzing with energy. Students are scattered around the room, actively engaged, debating, scribbling on whiteboards, and genuinely excited about math. There’s no “front” of the classroom, no rows of desks, […]
Diving into Jo Boaler’s Math-ish: Embracing Struggle and Transforming Math Education
Today, we’re plunging into the fascinating world of Jo Boaler’s Math-ish. If you’re ready to transform the way you think about math education, buckle up—this is a good one! Valuing Struggle in the Classroom So, […]
“Let’s Find the 10s”: An Engaging Journey Into the Heart of Mental Math
Every math teacher is familiar with the dread that can fill a classroom at the mention of “mental math.” But what if we could turn that dread into anticipation, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment? […]