Teaching Math: Tricks of the Trade

Both my educational training and experience as a new teacher give me a lot to share about teaching math. Summarized below are best practices I used in the classroom during my first year as a fourth grade teacher.

Notebooks

When I first started teaching math in my own classroom, I found that students were often unengaged during the instructional portion. As a result, students had difficulty understanding the skill that was being taught. The students each had a graph paper notebook, but it was not utilized aside from pasting vocabulary and anchor charts.

I made the decision to have students write with me in their notebooks during our daily lessons. The combination of using their motor skills in conjunction with their listening and processing skills was beneficial in many ways. I noticed an immediate change in engagement and excitement. My students proudly showed me the work they had written in their notebooks. I also observed a decrease in frustration because students were processing the steps of the lesson while they were writing it.

One unanticipated benefit was the ability for students to return to their notebooks when they were stuck on math problems. The notebook thus served as a personal tool for students to understand and reinforce mathematical concepts.

Grouping Cards + Differentiation

In my educational training, one of my professors had sorted our class into groups based on cards with different numbers, letters, shapes, and shape colors on it. She had explained that it served as a tool for teachers to be able to group students efficiently, but also intentionally. I can use this strategy when playing math games and teaching art projects.

Finding Creative Ways to Apply Concepts

One main focus of my first year of teaching was finding ways to engage all my students in math. For some students, they were able to understand concepts better. They also had more fun when a math lesson on angles was turned into an art project. We would practice using a protractor and draw lines in pencil first. Once students got the hang of it, they were so excited to finish their project! The engagement allowed me time to assist students who were still building their fine motor skills and needed more practice using mathematical tools effectively.

Additionally, I would create assessments that were standards aligned but outside of the curriculum provided test. For example, students looked forward to sorting candy colors on line plots, which was different from a traditional assessment. It was fun and simultaneously demonstrated an understanding of line plots. I strongly believe it provided them a mental break as well.

Math Talks

Math talks are essentially what math is all about – the process of problem solving. I learned about math talks through my program and also implemented it into my classroom. Students would be presented with a problem on the board and take time for themselves to try and solve it. During this time, I would walk around the room, scanning for different solutions and making note of the different strategies I would want to share with my students. I would then ask volunteers or partners of volunteers to share about their thought process and how they got to their answer. Sometimes this would look like having students write on the whiteboard. Other times I would project their work on the screen. This activity emphasized process over product, which I believe is an essential part of math. This mindset also helps build resiliency in mathematics.

As I continue to refine these strategies in the classroom, I will reflect and share them on this blog site. Please share your best practices in the comment section below to support all new teachers learning to teach common core standards math.

Helping Our Kids Prepare for Life and College

At Bert Corona Charter School, we tell our students that during their time with us, they need to learn how to become a CRACLL (pronounced “Crackle”). It’s an acronym that stands for College Ready, Active Citizen, and Lifelong Learner. We define these as our learning outcomes for our students and see them as a promise to our families.  Through our partnership with our parents, we strive to help our students gain skills they will need to be ready for college. We push them to engage in their communities. We also work to instill a love of learning because we want students to be lifelong learners. These outcomes were part of the reason I first applied to work at my school. These are also life values and skillsets that I am working to teach my own daughter. Parents can help develop these skills all year.

Helping Our Kids Become College Ready

Helping kids to be college ready does not mean that we need to push them to levels of rigorous learning beyond what they do in school. At home, it can take many forms, like family or independent reading time, learning a new skill, or exploring career opportunities online. Parents can push a college-oriented mindset by visiting local universities and colleges with your kids, even from a young age. Parents can also discuss the idea of going to college and talk about careers kids may want to explore. When kids feel supported by their parents, they are more likely to attend college as an option for themselves.

Active Citizenship Begins at Home

Active citizenship starts at home and in our own communities. Kids need to take responsibility for their own space by helping maintain the house and helping out family members. They may help take care of younger siblings or an older grandparent or other family member. As kids get older, it’s great to help them expand their responsibilities beyond their home. Parents can talk about current events with their children and help them develop their own opinions about politics and world events. Parents can help kids find opportunities in their community to develop an outward focus and a greater sense of empathy. Kids are, by nature and developmentally, ego-centric. Helping kids understand others’ needs will ensure they become caring and helpful adults.

Nurturing Lifelong Learning

The most productive people I know are lifelong learners. They love to learn new skills and to figure things out for themselves. They are perpetual do-it-yourselfers, creators, and sponges for new information. The great thing about kids, is that they are this way naturally. At some point in their development, we ask them to follow the rules and just do what they are told. Some kids may lose their sense of curiosity and creativity when becoming more compliant. We want to encourage kids to try new things, learn new skills, and engage in activities that stretch them to be a better version on themselves. This school year is the perfect time to make this push.

Over the next few months, engage with your kids about what is going on in the world. Have conversations about the world around them. And make sure you always push them to explore something new. Helping kids to become a CRACLL will ensure a wonderful and productive school year of fun, learning, and development.

The Homework Battle: Who Owns the Problem? 

If homework has become a nightly struggle in your house, you’re not alone. Many parents find themselves reminding, nagging, checking, correcting, and sometimes even completing homework just to get it finished. What starts as wanting to help can quickly turn into frustration for everyone. The question to ask is simple: Whose homework is it? The answer is: Your child’s. That doesn’t mean parents step away completely. It means shifting from owning the homework to supporting the learner.

When Parents Own the Homework

It’s easy to fall into the trap of becoming the homework manager. You may find yourself:

• Constantly reminding your child to start.
• Sitting beside them for the entire assignment.
• Correcting every mistake.
• Arguing about unfinished work.
• Staying up late to make sure everything gets done.

While these actions come from a place of love, they can unintentionally teach children that homework is the parent’s responsibility instead of their own.

What Does Support Look Like?

Supporting your child means creating an environment where they can be successful while allowing them to take ownership of their learning.

Parents can:

• Provide a quiet place to work.
• Help establish a consistent homework routine.
• Make sure needed supplies are available.
• Answer questions when asked.
• Encourage effort and perseverance.
• Communicate with the teacher when concerns arise.

Notice that none of these involve doing the work for your child.

Let Natural Consequences Teach

It can be difficult to watch your child forget an assignment or choose not to complete homework. However, experiencing the natural consequence at school is often a more powerful teacher than repeated reminders at home. When children are allowed to experience the results of their choices in a supportive environment, they begin developing responsibility, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Instead of Nagging, Ask Questions

Rather than saying:

• “Did you finish your homework yet?”
• “Go do your homework right now!”
• “You never remember anything!”

Try asking:

• “What’s your plan for getting your homework done tonight?”
• “What do you need before you get started?”
• “Is there anything you’re confused about?”
• “How can I support you while you work?”

These questions encourage children to think through their own responsibilities instead of relying on constant reminders.

Resist the Urge to Fix Everything

If your child forgets a folder, misses a problem, or struggles with an assignment, pause before stepping in. Ask yourself if this something my child can solve independently? Children build confidence by solving problems—not by having adults solve every problem for them. Sometimes the best support is simply believing they can figure it out.

Long-Term Projects Are Different

Not all homework is due the next day. As students move through elementary school, they’ll begin receiving larger assignments such as book reports, research projects, science experiments, or presentations that are completed over several days or even weeks. These assignments can feel overwhelming, especially for children who struggle with planning, organization, or executive functioning skills. This is one area where parents can provide valuable support without taking ownership of the project.

Instead of reminding your child every day or completing parts of the project yourself, help them break the assignment into smaller, manageable pieces. Sit down together when the project is assigned and ask questions like:

• “When is it due?”
• “What are the different parts of this project?”
• “What could you finish today?”
• “How much time do you think each step will take?”

Then, encourage your child to write those smaller tasks on a calendar or checklist. For example, a book report might be divided into reading the book, taking notes, writing a rough draft, revising, creating a final copy, and practicing an oral presentation.

As the days go by, your role becomes checking in rather than taking over. Instead of asking, “Did you finish your project?” try asking, “What step are you working on today?” This simple shift keeps the responsibility with your child while showing that you’re available to help them stay on track.

Learning how to plan ahead, manage time, and complete work over several days is just as important as the final project itself. These executive functioning skills will benefit students throughout middle school, high school, college, and beyond.

Remember, the goal isn’t a perfect project created by a parent. The goal is helping your child learn the process of planning, organizing, and completing a larger assignment independently—skills that will last long after the project has been turned in.

Praise Effort, Not Perfection

Homework is practice. Mistakes give teachers valuable information about what students understand and what still needs to be taught. Instead of focusing only on getting every answer correct, praise behaviors like:

• Starting without being reminded.
• Staying focused.
• Asking thoughtful questions.
• Checking work independently.
• Persevering through a challenging assignment.

These habits build lifelong learners.

When Your Child Truly Needs Help

There is a difference between avoiding homework and being unable to complete it. If homework regularly leads to tears, takes far longer than expected, or seems far beyond your child’s abilities, reach out to the teacher.

Homework should reinforce classroom learning. It should not create overwhelming frustration. Together, families and teachers can determine whether assignments need additional support or modifications.

It may not eliminate every homework battle overnight, but it helps children learn one of life’s most important lessons: their education belongs to them, and they are capable of taking ownership of it.

10 Ways Parents Can Set Their Child Up for Success at the Start of a New School Year

The start of a new school year is full of new beginnings. New teachers, new classmates, and new learning opportunities but they can also feel overwhelming for children and parents alike. The good news is that helping your child have a successful school year doesn’t require anything but a little planning and your time. The biggest difference comes from simple, consistent routines and a positive attitude toward learning. Here are 10 easy ways you can help your child start the school year with confidence.

Adjust Sleep Schedules Before School Starts

As the school year begins, gradually move bedtime and wake-up time closer to the school schedule. Children who get enough sleep have better attention, memory, and emotional regulation, making it easier to learn and participate in class.

Create Consistent Morning and Evening Routines

Predictable routines reduce stress and help children know what to expect. Practice packing backpacks, choosing clothes the night before, eating breakfast, and following a bedtime routine. When mornings are less rushed, everyone starts the day on a more positive note.

Read Together Every Day

Reading for just 15–20 minutes each day builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of books. Let your child choose books that interest them, and don’t hesitate to reread favorite stories. Repeated reading improves fluency and confidence.

Talk About Feelings

Many children feel nervous about the first days of school. Ask open-ended questions like:

• What are you excited about?
• Is there anything you’re worried about?
• What do you hope this year will be like?

Listening without immediately trying to “fix” their worries helps children feel heard and supported.

Encourage Independence

Practice everyday skills that children will use at school. Have them zip their backpack, open lunch containers, tie their shoes, organize school supplies, and clean up after themselves. These small tasks build confidence and self-reliance.

Keep Learning Part of Everyday Life

Learning doesn’t only happen at school. Count groceries, measure ingredients while cooking, read signs while driving, write shopping lists, or play educational games together. These simple activities strengthen reading, math, and problem-solving skills naturally.

Limit Screen Time Before School Begins

As summer comes to an end, begin reducing recreational screen time and replacing it with reading, outdoor play, family conversations, or creative activities. This transition can help children readjust to the attention and focus needed during the school day.

Build a Positive Mindset About School

Children often mirror the attitudes of the adults around them. Speak positively about teachers, learning, and making mistakes as part of growing. Even if your child is anxious, remind them that everyone is learning together and that it’s okay to ask for help.

Connect With Your Child’s Teacher

Early communication creates a strong home-school partnership. Share any important information about your child’s strengths, interests, learning needs, or concerns. Teachers appreciate knowing what helps your child succeed, and working together benefits everyone.

Celebrate Effort Over Perfection

Instead of focusing only on grades or getting every answer correct, praise your child’s hard work, persistence, kindness, and willingness to try new things. A growth mindset helps children become resilient learners who understand that mistakes are opportunities to learn. There is no such thing as the “perfect” back-to-school family. Some mornings will be rushed, homework won’t always go smoothly, and everyone will have challenging days.

What matters most is providing your child with love, encouragement, predictable routines, and the confidence to keep trying. Small actions practiced consistently throughout the first few weeks of school can have a lasting impact on academic success, independence, and emotional well-being.

As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher. By creating supportive routines, encouraging curiosity, and celebrating growth, you’re helping build the foundation for a successful and enjoyable school year.

Here’s to a wonderful school year filled with learning, confidence, and new adventures!

How I Can Become a New Successful Teacher

This year I started teaching fourth grade at a new school. The school is incredibly high performing with a wide variety of curricular options. Students come to school ready to learn and are well prepared for the rigorous curriculum.

Below is a summary of the first weeks of school systems I have created for student success. Additionally, I am learning how to effectively introduce new textbook and online resources available to me to support differentiated learning opportunities for individual students.

Building Ready to Learn Systems Within My Classroom

• Planning a student flow of activities that include creating bins for students to turn in their work and also the weekly envelope with correspondence to parents. Added bins are organized for student lunches, water bottles, and personal school supplies, and books.
• Classroom rewards include point system tracking for the whole class, by table assignments, or through individual accomplishments. Whole class rewards include additional free time and planned fun activities. Individual students are rewarded with stickers, grab bag classroom supplies, or a special treat.
• Behavior consequences are developed that includes completing a behavior communication form for parents when a student is not able to conform to classroom and school behavior guidelines.
• Student completion of homework is tracked online and must be reviewed and managed by the classroom teacher.

Creating Curricular Systems of Teacher Support

• Writing prompts are created for students to write reflections in their journals each morning.
• Daily writing lessons are taught using the Heinemann textbook assignments.
• Daily math lessons are taught using the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Go Math textbook assignments.
• Three times each week, students are taught basic science concepts through hands on experiments.
• Two times each week, students are taught social studies using TCI curricular units.

In my next few blog posts, I will share how my new students respond to my teaching strategies for each academic subject. These reflections can help teachers consider modifications when implementing new curricular subjects throughout the school year.