Month: May 2025

Let’s Talk Math

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My current position, Tech TOSA/Instructional Coach, affords me the opportunity to go into teachers’ classrooms and share the amazing things that are happening. So here I am sharing what this talented first-grade teacher in my district is doing.

Earlier in the week, I was in my Tech TOSA role. I went into this first-grade classroom to teach a lesson on coding using Beebots. I’m sure you’ve figured out this is not what I’m here to discuss. When I walked in, I noticed this chart on her board. What struck me about it was its simplicity. As you can see, it has some basic concepts and images to accompany it. What also drew my attention was the title: Let’s Talk Math. This implies that Math is something that should be discussed. It’s not something we do in isolation or keep to ourselves. While I did not have time to discuss with the teacher what she does with this chart, I know her well enough to say that she references it consistently.

I think it’s worth noticing that this is not flashy, cutesy, or Pinteresty in any way. Too often, we teachers ‘do too much,’ as the kids would say. That isn’t to say that those who make their room match or aesthetically pleasing “do too much.” It’s just to say that if you’re not that kind of teacher—like me—that’s okay. Having something as simple as a chart on your whiteboard works just as well. The important thing here is accessibilty – both in terms of understanding and placement – is most important. If it’s in a place where students can’t see it, like being too high up, or teachers don’t reference it, it’s no good to anyone.

What is my point in all of this? I wanted to celebrate the awesomeness of what this teacher is doing and highlight its simplicity. What are some simple ways you keep your students engaged while encouraging discussions?

NOTE: You may have noticed that I use hyphens in my writing. This has been a thing for me for many years: you can find them in previous posts dating back to pre-AI. I also know that AI uses them often, and it is one of the tell-tale signs that something has been written with AI. I felt the need to point out that while I use them, they are not a result of AI, just of my own knowledge of how to use them.

Effective Place Value Techniques for Teaching Addition

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Are you looking for a way to help students truly see what’s happening when they add multi-digit numbers? One powerful approach uses place value-based strategies that build from representational thinking toward more efficient, abstract methods.

Start with Expanded Form

In the first part of the video, I model a place value strategy using expanded form. Students break apart each number into hundreds, tens, and ones, add those values separately, and then combine their sums.

This representational method supports flexible thinking and strengthens their understanding of how numbers work. It also lays a strong foundation for future strategies that depend on place value fluency.

Scaffold Toward the Algorithm

Next, I introduce a slightly more advanced approach that continues to use the Hundreds Chart as a scaffold. This visual support helps students begin to internalize regrouping and transitions them toward the traditional addition algorithm, a 4th-grade standard.

This shift is intentional. By gradually moving from expanded form to a structure that supports the algorithm, students develop a deeper understanding of why the algorithm works—not just how to use it.

Support with Consistent Structure

The real power of MathReps lies in their consistency. Each template reinforces key math skills in a familiar format, allowing students to focus on developing strategies and precision rather than navigating new instructions each time.

Whether students are practicing during warm-ups, small groups, or independent work, MathReps create a rhythm of reflection and growth with immediate feedback.

Grab the Free Templates

The MathReps template shown in the video is available for free at MathReps.com. And if you’re looking for a reusable option, check out the dry-erase Wipebook versions—perfect for centers, partner work, or teacher modeling.

One Rep at a Time

With MathReps, you’re not just assigning practice—you’re building confidence, one rep at a time.