Math Concepts

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Why is teaching estimation important?

Every wonder why teaching estimation is important? Learn how estimation and number sense go hand in hand.

Understanding place value: the key to building number sense

Place value is about more than the position of digits; it’s the foundation of our number system. This blog explores how we can help students think flexibly about numbers.

The number 24 is in the middle of a circle. There are lines drawn to varying forms of the number that show more sophisticated place value understanding: 2 tens, 4 ones; 24 ones; 1 ten, 14 ones; 20 + 4; 1 tens stick and 14 ones dots

What is zero?

Zero may seem like nothing but it has a big job to do, especially when it comes to place value.

Why number paths should be used instead of number lines

Find out why number lines shouldn’t be used until 2nd grade and what to use instead.

a number line with equal intervals labeled from 1 to 8

Conceptual vs Procedural Understanding in Math

There’s a place for both conceptual and procedural knowledge in math classrooms. But I do have one exception to my rule.

Teaching fewer in math: sense-making with visual representations

The idea of fewer is a difficult concept to understand. There are lots of reasons why, like you can’t actually see fewer. No wonder it’s a challenging idea for students!

What is subitizing and why is it important?

What is subitizing? Have you ever noticed how quickly you can recognize the number of fingers someone is holding up? Or how many dots there are on a die? That’s subitizing (soo-bi-tiz-ing)! And it’s a critical foundational skill. This blog will cover everything you need to know about what it is, why it’s important, practical tips […]