MathReps

Empower 4th Graders with Decimal Mastery

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Why This MathRep Matters

For 4th-grade educators who are guided by the CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.6 and CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.7 standards (part of the Number & Operations—Fractions domain), this MathRep is a game-changer.

  • CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.6
    • Use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100. For example, rewrite 0.62 as 62/100; describe a length as 0.62 meters; locate 0.62 on a number line diagram.
  • CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.7
    • Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual model.

Why Teachers Love It

  • Low floor, high ceiling: Students can start with simple conversions and move toward rich reasoning and comparisons.
  • Multiple entry points: Some may begin with fraction-to-decimal conversion, while others may focus on comparing decimals; yet, both pathways are supported.
  • Discussion built in: The MathRep encourages students to explain their thinking (“I know 0.59 is less than 0.6 because …”), which deepens understanding. Using this MathRep in Snorkl can further support student reasoning.
  • Standards-aligned and ready to use: Especially helpful when you need a targeted resource for 4.NF.C.6 and 4.NF.C.7.

Ready to Get Started

Download or open the accompanying MathRep (see video) and begin your lessons with this ready-to-go template. Embed the video in your class expectation or homework link to give students a chance to revisit the concept later. Doing it on paper? Why not print out a blank template and a completed template on the back and insert it into a plastic sleeve? Students then have a reference if they get stuck.

Visit MathReps.com for free templates and more resources.

Final Takeaway

This MathRep is a powerful, standards-aligned tool for supporting 4th-graders in mastering decimal notation and comparison. By anchoring learning in discussions, visual models, and student reasoning, it simplifies complex content into manageable and engaging experiences. Add this to your toolkit and watch your students build confidence with decimals.

Let me know how it goes in your classroom – I’d love to hear your success stories and any tweaks you make!

Snorkl + MathReps = Powerful Learning Moments

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I’m sure I’ve mentioned Snorkl before, but it’s worth sharing again, especially because MathReps are part of the platform!

If you haven’t explored it yet, Snorkl is an AI-powered feedback tool that provides students with meaningful and personalized responses to their work. Teachers can create their own assignments or choose from Snorkl’s library of ready-to-go activities. These activities span all grade levels and subject areas – from kindergarten through high school – and include math, ELD, science, history, and language arts.

When a student completes an assignment, Snorkl analyzes their work based on the rubric (which it can even create for you!) and provides feedback and a score. It doesn’t provide answers, but instead encourages students to think deeper and revise their work.

A few reasons I ❤️ Snorkl:

  • It’s simple (not loaded with bells and whistles) and intuitive for both teachers and students.
  • Teachers can start from scratch or choose from a library of quality tasks.
  • Feedback can be provided in multiple languages, but teachers always see it in English.
  • Directions and feedback can be read aloud, making them perfect for young learners or multilingual students. (And it doesn’t sound robotic!)

Snorkl in Action: A Classroom Story

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a 3rd-grade class to help them get started with Snorkl. (Total aside, but the teacher—Erin Daines—is one of the most naturally gifted educators I’ve ever met. I always learn something new in her classroom!)

On the first visit, we started simple with a fun activity from the Snorkl Library: “Introduce yourself and draw a picture of something you like.”

It was a low-stakes way for students to explore some of the whiteboard tools—pen, highlighter, shapes, and lines and get comfortable with the platform. We set it up so they could view and comment on one another’s work, and the engagement was instant. The room was buzzing with creativity and laughter.

When I returned the next week, we took things a step further. We made the next assignment collaborative, which meant students appeared under playful names, such as Zany Zebra or Curious Coyote. This anonymity helped students focus on ideas instead of popularity, something I really appreciate.

We started with a Would You Rather prompt: “Would you rather have a caramel apple or a slice of pumpkin pie?”

Students had to choose one and explain why. One student chose “neither” and explained his reasoning. Snorkl acknowledged his logic but scored it lower and challenged him to pick one, since the task was to make a choice, an excellent learning moment in a safe environment.

Then came the highlight: a 3rd Grade MathReps addition activity in Snorkl!

Students completed the task, then recorded their explanations to show their thinking. We know that when students can explain a process, their understanding deepens. Snorkl provided instant, helpful feedback that supported this reflection.

The best part? When students didn’t earn a 4/4, they wanted to improve. They read or listened to the feedback and tried again: some two or three times! The combination of MathReps and Snorkl fostered perseverance, reflection, and a sense of pride in learning. It was so exciting to witness.

Try MathReps in Snorkl!

Yes, MathReps are live in Snorkl—you’ll find them under the EduProtocols section. Currently, activities are available for grades K–4, with additional 4th-grade content and upper-grade levels forthcoming.

If you’d like to beta test upcoming MathReps in Snorkl, I’d love to have you join in! Just reach out and let me know.

So go ahead—try a MathRep in Snorkl. Let your students explore, explain, and shine.

The Power of Practice: Why MathReps Are the Missing Piece in Math Education

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MathReps are more than just a worksheet—they are a targeted, daily instructional frame designed to leverage the science of learning to create genuine mathematical mastery. Here is a look at their inherent power and how they succeed where traditional, rigid curriculums often fail.

The Power of MathReps—What Makes Them Effective?

MathReps are powerful because their structure is built on proven principles of cognitive science and student-centered learning. (Note: MathReps are not a curriculum, rather a powerful tool that can enhance any curriculum.)

ReasonExplanation
Systematic Spaced Repetition (The Forgetting Curve)The daily repetition directly combats the ‘forgetting curve,’ a term that describes how quickly we forget new information. By consistently allowing students to revisit skills, MathReps move concepts from short-term memory into long-term mastery (fluency) in a way that end-of-unit tests or once-a-year review packets cannot.
Reduced Cognitive LoadThe basic lesson frame/graphic organizer is predictable and familiar. When the structure is constant, students don’t waste mental energy figuring out the assignment’s format, allowing them to dedicate all their cognitive load to solving the problem, making connections, and mastering the skill.
Connection Between Concepts and StrategiesMathReps are designed to promote a deeper understanding by requiring students to connect multiple representations (e.g., area models, partial quotients, and the traditional algorithm) on a single page. This helps them bridge the ‘how’ (procedural fluency) with the ‘why’ (conceptual understanding).
Daily Spiral Review of Multiple StandardsUnlike unit-by-unit curriculums that drop a topic once the unit is over, MathReps embed daily spiral review for several standards at once. This ensures that skills learned in September are still being practiced and reinforced in February, building confidence and preventing skill degradation.
Customization and DifferentiationThey are fully customizable, allowing teachers to select skills based on student data and individual needs. This makes MathReps a personalized learning tool that meets each student exactly where they are—a crucial advantage over a standardized textbook.
Fosters Long-Term SuccessReal-world evidence shows their success. One 3rd-grade team, for example, reported an increase in fraction proficiency from 19% to over 82% after implementing the daily repetition of MathReps.

How MathReps Do What Traditional Curriculums Fail To Do

Traditional math curriculums, whether purely procedural or heavily conceptual, often fail in three key areas that MathReps are specifically designed to address.

Failure of Traditional CurriculumsHow MathReps Solve It
Failure to Ensure Skill RetentionTraditional curriculums move on too quickly. If a student misses a concept or needs more time, they “fall off the train” and develop a learning gap that a built-in review system can’t fix.
Failure to Bridge Conceptual and Procedural FluencyCurriculums often lean too heavily in one direction: either “drill and kill” (rote memorization without understanding) or purely conceptual (understanding the theory but lacking computational skill). Often focusing on one skill at a time and never showing the connections.
Failure to Adequately Address Learning GapsStandardized, one-size-fits-all textbooks cannot accommodate a classroom where students may have learning gaps spanning multiple years. Pushing “high expectations” without addressing prior knowledge often leads to student failure.

MathReps provide the crucial daily rhythm of practice and reflection that students need to connect, internalize, and ultimately master their math skills, setting them up for success when confronted with more complex material.

You can find the full collection at MathReps.com.

You can see a deeper dive into the format and utility of these organizers in this video: MathReps is Where It’s At!.

Customize Your MathReps in Snorkl Easily

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This past summer, I’ve been sharing insights about the MathReps collection available in Snorkl. In my recent post, New MathReps Available in Snorkl Library, I provided a quick guide on how to easily navigate the platform to discover your favorite MathReps. Don’t miss the latest video that demonstrates how to seamlessly add these resources to your library and customize them to suit your specific needs.

New MathReps Available in Snorkl Library

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It’s been a crazy summer. In the last post, I talked about MathReps living in the Snorkl App – a sampling of MathReps, not the full collection. Well, I’m proud to say that they ARE indeed up and ready for you to use. Currently, K-2 is live with others being added regularly. The plan is to have a sampling from K through high school available.

So, where might you find them on the website? I’m so glad you asked. Log in to Snorkl App. Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Library’ tab. Click on the down arrow and select ‘Snorkl Library’.

Once in the Snorkl Library, navigate to the ‘General’ section. That’s where you’ll find MathReps.

That’s right, you’ll see 37 ready-to-use MathReps! Snorkl will continue to add to them as they are ready. 3rd-grade is in the works as I write this. If you have any questions or requests, please feel free to reach out, and I’m happy to help.

MathReps & Snorkl

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Oofta, it’s been a hot minute. I’d like to blame end-of-the-year craziness on my lack of posting, but that’s not the whole story. The other part is that I just haven’t been motivated. Welp, I’m back!

Today, I’d like to briefly touch on a new(ish) app – Snorkl. This tool utilized AI in the best way. Students record their work via screen recording, voice and screen recording, only audio, or written. I have been focusing on the voice and screen recordings. This quick video shows how I built out a 1st-grade MathRep and how students can show their work. I know, you’re thinking, “So where is the AI?” So glad you had that thought; it comes in the form of immediate feedback in this case. It’s so much easier if I show you:

So what are your thoughts? How can you see utilizing Snorkl in your classroom?

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.

Experiencing MathReps Success at Cipriani Elementary

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A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Cipriani Elementary School in Belmont, California, and let me tell you—it was a fantastic day that filled my heart.

Throughout the day, I was met with warm smiles, welcoming teachers, and the most amazing group of students. I had the opportunity to visit several classrooms ranging from TK through fifth grade, and in each room, I was able to demonstrate MathReps and watch in amazement as students flourished in their math knowledge.

What stood out most to me during these classroom visits was the level of engagement and understanding the students displayed. They were respectful, kind, curious, and so eager to learn. It’s one thing to talk about the power of MathReps—but it’s another thing entirely to see it in action in so many classes.

The Cipriani staff was incredible. Not only were they open and receptive, but they also shared their own tips and tricks for how they modify and adapt MathReps to meet the needs of their students. I was genuinely inspired by the way they’ve made the framework their own. I came to share—but I left having learned so much from them too. That kind of collaborative energy is what makes this work so meaningful.

One of my favorite moments from the day happened in a third-grade classroom. As I was working with the students, one of them looked up at me, wheels turning in their head, and said, “Wait… your name is on the bottom of our MathReps!” The class instantly lit up with excitement. Then they asked, “Did you also make Math Dash Chats?” When I said yes, the energy doubled. That little moment of connection—of realizing that the person who created something they use every day was standing right there with them—was truly special. It reminded me that kids are paying attention, even when we don’t think they are.

Later that afternoon, I led a Math 360 professional development session with the entire staff. Thanks to our friends at Wipebook, we had large Wipebook flip charts to work with, and it made the experience even more interactive and fun. The discussions were rich and reflective, and once again, the Cipriani teachers brought their full selves to the table—asking great questions, sharing insights, and showing a genuine passion for improving math instruction.

Overall, it was such a rewarding, joy-filled day. I left Cipriani Elementary feeling deeply grateful—and even more motivated to continue visiting classrooms across the country to share the love, importance, and power of MathReps.

I am thankful to everyone at Cipriani Elementary for making me feel so welcome.

Spice Up Your Math Lessons with the Nacho Problem EduProtocol!

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Allow me to introduce you to an engaging and effective way to get your students thinking critically about math: Nacho Problem! If you’re looking for a structured-yet-flexible approach to problem-solving that promotes discussion, reasoning, and collaboration, then this EduProtocol is exactly what you need.

What is Nacho Problem?

Nacho Problem is a structured math discussion protocol that helps students develop their problem-solving and reasoning skills in a low-floor, high-ceiling way. Instead of just solving problems in isolation, students work through an incorrectly solved problem that leads to, explaining their thinking, and building deeper conceptual understanding.

It’s not just any problem—it’s “Nacho” Problem because it encourages students to engage with math differently!

How It Works

Nacho Problem follows a consistent routine that makes math discussions more meaningful and accessible for all learners. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Launch the Problem:

  • Choose a problem that has been solved incorrectly. It can be a common misconception or a key concept.
  • Present the problem to the class and encourage students to think critically.

Think & Solve:

  • Students work independently or in pairs to solve the problem using their own methods.
  • They show their thinking through models, equations, or number lines.

Share & Compare:

  • Students explain how they solved it and compare their work with others.
  • Emphasize multiple strategies—there’s more than one way to solve a problem!

Debrief & Reflect:

  • Discuss which strategies were efficient, clear, or creative.
  • Make connections between representations and reinforce math vocabulary.

Why Use Nacho Problem?

🔹 Builds Math Confidence – Encourages all students to participate in math discussions.
🔹 Focuses Thinking – Students can critically analyze problems, looking for errors and correcting them.
🔹 Reinforces Multiple Strategies – Helps students see different ways to approach a problem.
🔹 Encourages Math Talk – Improves reasoning, justification, and communication skills.
🔹 Works with Any Grade Level – Can be adapted for K-12 by adjusting the complexity of the problem.

Hear About It In Under 2 Minutes

I recently created a video tutorial to show exactly how Nacho Problem works. Check it out here:

Try It in Your Classroom!

Want to give Nacho Problem a try? Here’s what you can do next:

Choose a problem that fits your students’ current math skills.
Use a template to help students structure their thinking.
Encourage collaboration by having students discuss and compare strategies.

You can find free templates and more math strategies at eduprotocolsplus.com and MathReps.com!

Final Thoughts

Nacho Problem is a fun, engaging, and powerful way to deepen students’ understanding of math. By making math conversations routine and structured, you’ll see more confidence, curiosity, and engagement in your classroom.

Understanding Subtraction with Pictorial and Expanded Models

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Why Use Multiple Models?

By using a pictorial model alongside expanded notation, students get a visual and numeric understanding of subtraction. This helps them move beyond memorized procedures to truly grasp why and how regrouping works.

Let’s break it down step by step!

Step 1: Set Up the Problem

We’re working with 736 – 274.

  • 736 is represented using pictorial models in a place value chart:
    • 7 hundreds
    • 3 tens
    • 6 ones
  • Below, we note in the corner of each place value column what we’re subtracting: 200 + 70 + 4 = 274

Step 2: Subtract Using the Pictorial Model

Subtract the Ones (6 – 4):

  • Cross off 4 ones (I like to use x to represent 1s).
  • That leaves 2 ones.

Regroup the Tens (30 – 70):

  • Uh-oh! We don’t have enough tens to subtract 70.
  • So, we regroup 100 into 10 tens (since 100 = 10 tens).
  • Now, we have 13 tens total (13 tens = 130)
  • We subtract 70 (or 7 tens) from 13 tens, leaving 6 tens (or 60).

Subtract the Hundreds (700 – 200):

  • After regrouping, we have 600 left in the hundreds place.
  • Subtracting 200 leaves us with 400.

Final Answer: 462

Step 3: Solve Using Base 10 Expanded Notation

Now, let’s represent the numbers in expanded form:

  • 736 → 700 + 30 + 6
  • 274 → 200 + 70 + 4

Subtracting step-by-step:

  • 6 – 4 = 2
  • 30 – 70 (not possible, so we regroup from the hundreds)
    • Moving 100 over to the 10s place, making it 130 – 70 = 60
  • 600 – 200 = 400

Final Answer: 462

The Power of Dual Modeling

Using both pictorial and expanded form models side by side helps students see:
✏️ Why we “regroup” in subtraction
✏️ How place value plays a role in regrouping
✏️ That both methods lead to the same solution, reinforcing accuracy

When students see and practice both models together, they build deeper number sense and mathematical confidence!

Try This in Your Classroom!

You can grab a free MathReps template at MathReps.com and start using this strategy with your students today!

💡 Bonus Resource: Wipebook offers workbooks with four MathReps for second grade, providing structured practice all year long. Check them out!

Watch the Full Tutorial Video