The Problem With Math Tricks and Shortcuts
You’re in the middle of a math lesson, and one of your students confidently blurts out, “Oh, I know a trick for this!” At first,
Math Wheels for Note-taking?
Everything You Need to Teach Ratios and Rates
I can still remember those nights when I would look at my pacing guide and realize my ratios unit was coming up next. My computer
How to Use Color by Number Activities for Spiral Review
Spiral review is one of the most effective ways to help our students retain math skills over time, but keeping it engaging can be a
Tips and Activities for Introducing Division Concepts in 3rd Grade
When introducing division in 3rd grade, it’s important to set a strong foundation that will help your students truly understand what division means, not just
Teaching Ratios and Proportions in the Middle School Math Classroom
Whether you’re prepping for a new school year or diving into some PD, this ratios and proportions professional development session is a goldmine for 6th
3 Ways to Find Greatest Common Factor and Finding GCF Word Problem
When you’re teaching the greatest common factor to 6th graders, it helps to have a clear structure and multiple methods at your fingertips. Whether you’re
Rethinking the First Week: How to Develop a Growth Mindset in Math
The first week of school can set the tone for the entire year, especially in math class. It’s the perfect opportunity to do more than
How to Confidently Teach One Step Equations in 6th Grade Math
When your students first encounter one-step equations, it’s not just about solving simple problems. It’s about laying the groundwork for algebraic thinking. These equations teach
Differentiating Math Instruction: Keeping Advanced Students Challenged and Engaged
Hearing “this is too easy!” from students in your math class can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s great that they’re confident.
Math Decoration Ideas to Create an Engaging Classroom
Creating a visually engaging classroom doesn’t have to mean filling every inch of wall space with bright posters and borders. In a math classroom, decorations
How to Teach Exponents With Step-by-Step Examples
If you’re getting ready to teach exponents, you might be looking for a simple way to introduce the concept and help your students avoid common
Finding the Least Common Multiple: Effective Teaching Ideas
When I was in the classroom, I was always on the lookout for ways to make math concepts more engaging. One topic that could sometimes
Welcome to Cognitive Cardio Math! I’m Ellie, a wife, mom, grandma, and dog ‘mom,’ and I’ve spent just about my whole life in school! With nearly 30 years in education, I’ve taught:
- All subject areas in 4th and 5th grades
- Math, ELA, and science in 6th grade (middle school)
I’ve been creating resources for teachers since 2012 and have worked in the elearning industry for about five years as well!
If you’re looking for ideas and resources to help you teach math (and a little ELA), I can help you out!
