Teaching equivalent fractions is often a difficult task. In this article I am going to show several methods that should make this task a bit easier. I previously posted an article for using patterns blocks to teach parts of a whole. In order to provide some consistency with that article the first method I will […]
Jackie Parrish
I am a retired teacher who taught in middle school for 30 years. I have certifications in elementary education, reading, and math. I have spent most of my career teaching math to 7th and 8th graders in an urban setting. I have also presented staff development within my school and within my district. Although I am now retired I am still passionate about teaching math in ways that engage all students.
Posted inClassroom Management
10 Tips for First Year Teachers
Congratulations you’ve been hired for your first teaching position! You are about to have a great adventure with your own students. To make your first year easier here are 10 tips that you probably weren’t taught in college, but might really help you as you get started in your career. Tip 1 – When you meet […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Mathematics
Fractions – Parts of a Whole
Fractions can be one of the most frustrating topics to teach to elementary school children. Linking the experience of your students with fractions in their daily lives to fractions in the classroom can make this task easier. Young children have early experiences with the concept of fractions when they want to share a sandwich with […]
Posted inInstructional Strategies, Middle School, Uncategorized
Common Core and Mathematics
During my entire career, there were always standards in mathematics. Whether I was dealing with the mathematics standards of the School District of Philadelphia, the standards of the state of Pennsylvania, or the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), I followed some standards in the teaching of mathematics. With this as […]
Posted inAdult Learning, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum
Learning Styles Matter
As teachers, we know that not everyone learns the same way.  Some people are auditory learners who do very well in a situation where the teacher lectures. Others are visual learners who must see something to comprehend. If you are a good reader you can succeed as a visual learner. If you are not a good […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Opinion
What are we teaching our children?
When the end of a school year rolls around most teachers take the time to reflect on the school year that is ending. What succeeded and what didn’t? What should I do differently next year? What should I prepare over the summer to get a jump start on the new school year? Do I need […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Mathematics, Special Education
Learning Disorders in the Math Classroom
The combination of Common Core standards, especially in math, and placing students with learning disorders in the least restrictive environment possible has become a conundrum for teachers and students alike. Neither common core nor least restrictive environment is going away any time soon so we need to find a way to actively engage all of […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Dyscalculia – The Dyslexia of Mathematics
For years, educators have known about dyslexia. There are well-documented studies that explain dyslexia as well as strategies that can be used to help those who are diagnosed with this learning disorder. Until recently, however, there has been very little known about dyscalculia. This is partly because unlike dyslexia, dyscalculia manifests itself in a number […]