teaching middle school math Archives

Math Wheels for Note-taking?

Teaching Least Common Multiple Methods That Actually Click With Kids

Finding Least Common Multiple: Methods That Actually Click With Kids

Teaching least common multiple methods can feel like you’re juggling three balls at once. This is especially true when you’re trying to help your students

Make Factoring Expressions Stick for Your Students

If factoring expressions ever felt like one of those math skills your students just don’t get right away, you’re not alone. With the right approach,

How to Confidently Teach Equivalent Ratios

Whether you’re prepping for a new math teacher position or looking for a fresh approach to teaching equivalent ratios, this post has you covered. I’m

Teaching Ratios and Proportions to Deepen Student Thinking

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

Teaching Ratios and Rates Made Easy for 6th Grade Math

Teaching Ratios and Rates: Easy Strategies for 6th Grade Math

Teaching ratios and rates in 6th grade math doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you’re just getting started, this post has everything you need to

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

Confidently Teach Multiplication and Division One Step Equations

If you’re getting ready to introduce multiplication and division one-step equations to your students, you’re teaching one of the most important building blocks in algebra.

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

$Using Math Mistakes as a Teaching Tool Without Crushing Confidence.$

How to Use Math Mistakes as a Teaching Tool Without Crushing Student Confidence

Mistakes in math can feel like big, flashing neon signs to our students, but they don’t have to. In fact, some of the best learning

Practical Strategies for Translating Algebraic Expressions From Tables

When your students first start translating algebraic expressions from tables, it can sometimes feel like they’re solving a mystery. They need to find the pattern

Strategies for Teaching Evaluating Expressions in 6th Grade Math

When your students first start evaluating expressions, it can feel overwhelming. They’re juggling substitution, order of operations, and understanding what variables and constants actually represent.

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 4^th and 5^th 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!