Adding Rigor in Math Class by Getting Students to Think Backward
Rigorous math lessons are important for pushing student thinking and understanding. Today I’m going to share one change that can make a problem more rigorous. This technique can be use to create a problem solving task that really makes your middle school or high school math students think!
When students can solve a problem and then think about how to work backward, we are preparing them for success in algebra. It’s also a great practice for adding rigor to a lesson.
I decided to brainstorm some ways to put this idea into practice in different grade levels. Read on for inspiration.
6th Grade Math Classroom Decorations and Back to School Ideas
Here are some of my favorite resources for the beginning of the year for sixth grade math. Included are ideas for classroom decorations, activities for the first day, and routines we can establish from the start.
5th Grade Math Classroom Decorations and Back to School Ideas
The beginning of the year is the time to get to know students and let them know what they can expect for the year. Engaging students and learning about their interests the first day can get the year off to a great start.
I’ve gathered some of my favorite resources for back to school. Included are ideas to set up your fifth grade math classroom to be an inspiring setting for learning, activities for the first day, and routines we can establish from day 1.
End of Year Activities and After State Testing Ideas
The big end of year tests are finished, but we still have several days or weeks of school left. The struggle to keep students engaged is getting tougher. Planning time is lacking.
I’ve gathered some of my favorite end of year activities. These require little or no prep. They are interesting and fun for students. Most can be used for any subject area as well as elementary, middle, or high school students.
Spring Bulletin Board Ideas
Spring is a great time to give those bulletin boards and classroom decorations a fresh look. Maybe you are looking for a motivational quote to inspire students or a growth mindset theme. Or maybe you just want something that is bright and colorful. Whatever you are looking for, I’ve gathered some of my favorite bulletin board kits to save you time. Most of these are not subject-specific and could work for elementary, middle, or high school. I’ll share a few math related ones at the end!
Can we break the order of operations?
The order of operations, they are such a straight-forward math topic, right? Or are they?
Students are capable of thinking about math. What if we show them multiple paths to simplifying expressions and let them discuss if they agree or disagree? This practice will help them think flexibly when simplifying expressions.
Math Classroom Decoration and Bulletin Board Inspiration
The moment students step foot in a classroom they get an idea of what that class is all about. Let’s try to get them excited about math with some meaningful classroom decorations. I’ve gathered some ideas for bulletin boards, signs, and useful decorations that are perfect for middle and high school math classrooms.
Back to School Ideas for Middle and High School Math
Ideas for the first day of school to help you get to know your students and do some math! These activities are sure to engage students right from the start.