Ten Frames

 Ten Frames are wonderful mathematical graphic organizers.  For pdf files go here: http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_vandewalle_math_5/0,7959,796754-,00.html.
More ideas available here:http://guidedmath.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/use-ten-frames-to-teach-guided-math-lessons/

Math in Focus: study shows over triple the average growth for a school system in New Jersey

Old Bridge, New Jersey began the implementation of Math in Focus about 6 months before Warsaw. A control group of students grew 3.5 points while the Math in Focus students grew 12.4 points.

Doodling in Math Class: Binary Trees

11 Mathematics Resources to Try in 2011

11 Mathematics Resources to Try in 2011

Sprints: Math Fact Practice

A math fact practice that is based on Singapore math is know as a "Sprint". This video shows the steps from start to finish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDAG405awRk. Let me know if you would like to learn more. I have a few sample sprints plus they are available for purchase at a reasonable price http://www.singaporemath.com/Math_Sprints_Blackline_Master_1_p/msblm1.htm, and we can also learn to write our own and build a library of sprints. Notice the attitude in the video of perseverance, enthusiasm, and building confidence through improvement. It also shows learning based on brain research in action.

Number Bond Computer Activities

Three strong interactive websites to use with students for practice with number bonds:

1. Save the Whale: visual help working with the bonds to 10.
http://www.ictgames.com/save_the_whale_v4.html

2. Number Bond Machines: set a specific number to work on or practice all bonds to 5, 10, or 100.
http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/mentalmaths/numberbond.html

3.Part, Part, Whole: video game with 5 levels. Starts with bonding to make 100 and moves on to bonding fractions and decimals to make 1.
http://www.mathplayground.com/PartPartWhole.html

There is something here for everyone.

K-5 Teacher Resource CD's available through Stoneware at school or home

The Math in Focus Teacher Resource CD’s are now available K-5 thanks to Susan Armacost and Brad Gutwein.

They are located in Stoneware( https://staff.warsaw.k12.in.us/ )and are now accessible to all teachers at home and school. Please spread the word.

Susan gave me this help in accessing the resources:

“Stoneware recently updated so it looks a little different. 
When you log into Stoneware - click on account - my documents (found just above the orange WCS logo).  This will open a window.  You should see Math in Focus Teacher Resources in 2 places, on the left and in the main window.
I prefer to use the left hand column, click on the + signs to get a detailed list of the resources, keeping using the + sign to drill down into the items.  You can do the same thing in the main window - but it opens as a folder so you no longer see the other choices.”

Let me know if you need help finding the material.

This should be a huge help to all teachers in this transitional year and especially those teachers working with multiple grade levels or differentiating instruction by using previous grade level material.

My sincere thanks to our technology department.