mathematics

Math Dash Chats: Boost Classroom Discourse

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Earlier this year, a simple idea sparked a solution to a common challenge in many classrooms: how to review math concepts and encourage student conversation when time is short. This led to the creation of Math Dash Chats.

Our district, like many others, was grappling with a noticeable gap in our curriculum—a lack of dedicated time for math discourse. We know that talking about math helps students solidify their understanding, but with so many standards to cover, where do you fit it in? I created Math Dash Chats for 3rd Grade, as an instructional coach who works closely with 3rd-grade teams, it felt like the perfect place to start. Since then, I’ve created sets for grades 2-6 and am excited to expand to grades 7 and 8 soon.

So, what exactly are Math Dash Chats, and how can they help your students? I’m so glad you asked!

What are Math Dash Chats?

Math Dash Chats are 36 prepared slides for your grade level (currently grades 2-6). The activity is designed to be a quick, five-minute daily review that gets students talking.

The slides are divided into six sections, five of which are based on Common Core domains like Geometry and Measurement, and the sixth is a directions section. Problems are hidden behind colorful “doors” [01:05], which you can view beforehand. Then, simply drag the questions over for a fun and engaging reveal.

How Do They Work?

The idea is simple: choose one “door” a day to discuss for about five minutes. This brief, focused discussion ensures a consistent review without taking up valuable class time. The topics covered are not just standard procedures; they encourage students to explore reasoning, number sense, and even domains like geometry or measurement that are often rushed through or left for the end of the year.

The video provides an example from the “Convince me that” category, where students are asked to prove that “4 tens is the same as 3 tens and 10 ones” [01:53]. This type of question promotes collaboration, and you might find that students want to use personal whiteboards or manipulatives to work through some of the problems together.

The Result

The response from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. They love the ease of a no-prep, ready-to-go resource that gets students talking about math. Who doesn’t love a well-thought-out, free resource that is proven to work?

If you’re looking for a quick, impactful way to review math concepts and get your students engaged in meaningful math conversations, Math Dash Chats are for you!

Math Dash Chats Folder: Please make a copy of the desired slide deck for yourself by selecting ‘file’ > ‘make a copy’. If you receive a message that says ‘Access Denied’, it may be an issue with your district account. I’ve encountered this recently. If this happens, I suggest trying your personal account and sharing it with your district account. If that doesn’t work, contact me and we can try a few other options.

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.

Magic School – UDL Choice Board

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Earlier today, I had the pleasure of meeting with a fantastic group of teachers from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools in Michigan. Our main focus was on incorporating more EduProtocols and technology into math classes. During our discussion, we touched upon the topic of what students can do once they have demonstrated mastery using MathReps. Specifically, if students show mastery on their weekly assessment for two consecutive weeks, I no longer require them to do the daily practice in the following week. To provide an alternative avenue for these students, I suggested the use of a Choice Board, allowing them to delve deeper into the skills they have mastered. This idea sparked a conversation about the UDL Choice Board creator in Magic School. Intrigued by this resource (see previous post), I decided to explore this component further, and I must say, I was not disappointed.

After finding the Choice Board (UDL), I chose the grade level and input the standards. For my purposes, I chose all of 5.NBT. I gave the tool minimal parameters.

The output was okay:

Choice Board: Place Value and Decimals

AssignmentDescription
  1. Place Value Detective| Create a comic strip showing how a digit’s value changes based on its position in a multi-digit number.
  2. Decimals in the Real World| Research and create a slideshow presentation showcasing examples of decimals in everyday life.
  3. Powers of 10 Exploration| Design a poster explaining patterns in the number of zeros when multiplying or dividing a number by powers of 10.
  4. Decimal Number Line| Construct a number line using decimals and demonstrate how to compare decimals using greater than, less than, and equal to symbols.
  5. Rounding Riddles| Create a set of riddles where students need to round decimals to a specified place value to find the answer.
  6. Decimal Art Gallery| Use various art materials to represent decimals visually. Label and display your artwork in a mini gallery.
  7. Interactive Place Value Game| Develop a board game that involves using place value understanding to round decimals. Include instructions and game pieces.
  8. Decimal Number Chef| Write a step-by-step recipe using decimals for a favorite dish. Include appropriate measurements and conversions.
  9. Decimal Reflection| Write a reflective journal entry explaining the importance of understanding place value and decimals in real-world applications.

Remember to be creative and have fun with your chosen assignment! Additionally, ensure that your work demonstrates your understanding of place value and decimals.

But not very user-friendly. So, I modified my request. Not exactly what I wanted but much better visually. I would prefer if it were a 3 x 3 grid. I did put in the request unfortunately, the tool wasn’t able to create it. But the output was still good and easier to read. And if I really wanted a 3 x 3 grid, I could simply copy and paste the components:

Sure! Here’s the choice board in a 3 x 3 table format:

AssignmentDescription
1. Place Value DetectiveCreate a comic strip showing how a digit’s value changes based on its position in a multi-digit number.
2. Decimals in the Real WorldResearch and create a slideshow presentation showcasing examples of decimals in everyday life.
3. Powers of 10 ExplorationDesign a poster explaining patterns in the number of zeros when multiplying or dividing a number by powers of 10.
4. Decimal Number LineConstruct a number line using decimals and demonstrate how to compare decimals using greater than, less than, and equal to symbols.
5. Rounding RiddlesCreate a set of riddles where students need to round decimals to a specified place value to find the answer.
6. Decimal Art GalleryUse various art materials to represent decimals visually. Label and display your artwork in a mini gallery.
7. Interactive Place Value GameDevelop a board game that involves using place value understanding to round decimals. Include instructions and game pieces.
8. Decimal Number ChefWrite a step-by-step recipe using decimals for a favorite dish. Include appropriate measurements and conversions.
9. Decimal ReflectionWrite a reflective journal entry explaining the importance of understanding place value and decimals in real-world applications.

I hope this format is helpful for you and your students! Let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with.

Can this be improved? Definitely! Did I invest a lot of time fine-tuning the tool’s parameters? No. However, considering the minimal effort I put in, the output turned out to be surprisingly good. Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend Magic School! I remain a fan of this remarkable tool!