Blog - Terry's Teaching Tidbits

Adding and Subtracting Decimals with Visual Models

Do you teach your students the traditional method (or standard algorithm) of adding and subtracting decimals? The standard algorithm is important and I usually don't have a lot of trouble getting my students to master this, but do our students truly understand what they're adding and subtracting? Do they have a ... Read More about Adding and Subtracting Decimals with Visual Models

Halloween Decimal Activities

Are you looking for fun decimal review activities to get you and your students into the Halloween spirit? Check out some of my favorite, easy to use, Halloween decimal activities. Decimal Task Cards These task cards are easy to prep and will help your students review the following decimal ... Read More about Halloween Decimal Activities

First Thing Feelings

Each morning, we all wake up differently. Some of us carry the weight of what we experience the day before. Some of us get out of bed with excitement for a new and productive day. How you feel when you wake up in the morning can completely affect the future of that particular day. I'm guilty of always thinking ... Read More about First Thing Feelings

Analyzing Pre-Test Data in Google Forms

Once I've assigned a pre-test to my math classes, I utilize the tools available in Google Forms to understand the data. I have my assessments set up so that the data can be easily interpreted and will help me to structure my unit to meet the needs of my students. What I Look For in the Data Overview: ... Read More about Analyzing Pre-Test Data in Google Forms

Preparing to Teach Order of Operations and Whole Numbers

The first math unit I teach is Order of Operations and Whole Numbers. I try to be strategic as I jump into any unit, so the first thing I do is pre-assess my students on all of the standards I'm about to teach. *Our units are grouped by the state of GA and are from the Georgia Standards of Excellence. Unit 1 ... Read More about Preparing to Teach Order of Operations and Whole Numbers

Build Trust Week One: A Back to School Activity

The first week of school is filled with creating routines, establishing expectations, and connecting with your students. Each year, I have an activity that I love doing with my students both at the very beginning of the year, and then again at the very end. I call it "The Compliment Paper". Here's What You ... Read More about Build Trust Week One: A Back to School Activity