Discover effective ways to teach homeschool math without relying solely on online clicks! This post explores top free resources like Khan Academy and Mr. Slope Guy’s YouTube channel, and emphasizes the vital role of hands-on practice. Learn how blending video instruction, engaging content, and worksheet-based reflection builds true math mastery for middle school and Algebra 1 students. Targeted for teachers, tutors, and homeschooling parents, these strategies help students develop mathematical confidence by showing work, explaining reasoning, and verifying answers independently.

Every teacher knows classroom management can make or break a lesson — but sometimes it feels like there’s an elephant tromping through your plans. This lighthearted guide turns that elephant into your ally, with eight practical tips (one for each letter in E.L.E.P.H.A.N.T.) to help you create a calm, consistent, and engaging classroom. From anticipating problems to celebrating positive behavior, these strategies will help you teach smarter, not louder.

Small groups, big gains — that’s the secret to unlocking student success in math. 💡
Research shows that small-group, student-centered instruction leads to deeper understanding, stronger confidence, and better performance in math classrooms. When students work in groups of 3–6, they not only learn more effectively but also communicate, collaborate, and think critically in ways whole-class instruction can’t match. From differentiation and confidence-building to lowering math anxiety, discover why small-group learning is one of the most powerful strategies in modern math education—and how you can make it work in your classroom.

Why do some students seem to "see" math more easily than others? The answer might be spatial reasoning—an essential but often overlooked skill in middle and high school math classrooms. From visualizing graph transformations to mentally rotating shapes, spatial reasoning plays a critical role in helping students understand geometry, algebra, and real-world math applications. In this blog, we’ll explore what spatial reasoning is, why it’s tied to long-term math success, and five simple, effective ways to help students build this powerful cognitive skill.

Engage your middle school pre-algebra students by adding a splash of color to your lessons! Using colored pencils can transform abstract math concepts like transformations and angle relationships into engaging, hands-on learning experiences. This simple tool fosters visual understanding, boosts student confidence, and makes math more enjoyable for everyone.

As math educators, we continuously seek strategies that not only enhance student learning but also foster essential skills like organization, comprehension, and retention. One such high-yield strategy is the use of math journals. Math journals serve as an invaluable tool for both students and teachers, providing a structured approach to learning that can significantly impact student success. Here’s why integrating math journals into your teaching practice can be transformative.

Preparing Florida students for the Algebra 1 EOC exam can be challenging, but with the right strategies, success is within reach. In our comprehensive guide, we explore essential techniques like early introduction of polynomials, leveraging online tools such as Khan Academy, selecting the best textbooks, and developing high-quality resources. Discover how consistent practice and collaborative resource-building can lead to exceptional student performance. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to help your students excel on the Algebra 1 EOC exam.

As I approach the final years of my teaching career, I want to offer advice to new teachers entering this noble profession. We need passionate, bright educators to inspire students, help them overcome their fears of math, and build their confidence. If you’re reading this, we need you!

In this guide, I’ll cover essential reading for new teachers, tips for effective classroom management, and the importance of continuous improvement. By staying committed to improvement and understanding your students’ needs, you can navigate the challenges and thrive as a math teacher. Welcome to the profession, and remember, your impact on students can be profound. Embrace the journey and keep striving for excellence.

All across the great state of Florida, students are striving to excel in the 8th Math FSA (Florida Standards Assessment), which aligns with the B.E.S.T. (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) standards. Mastering topics such as exponent rules, multi-step equations with fractions, slope and slope-intercept applications, angle relationships, the Pythagorean Theorem, and systems of equations in one school year can be overwhelming. Here are some strategies to help guide your students to success.

After 25 years of teaching Algebra 1, I frequently encounter the question, "What skills do students need to be successful in Algebra 1?" My response remains steadfast: a strong foundation in exponent rules and proficient equation-solving skills are the most crucial prerequisites. These fundamental skills form the bedrock upon which students can build their understanding of more complex algebraic concepts. In this blog, I delve into why these skills are so vital and offer strategies for ensuring your students are well-prepared for Algebra

Engaging students in mathematics can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, especially for middle and high school students who struggle with confidence and motivation. An innovative approach to addressing these challenges is the use of solve-as-you-go riddles in math worksheets. These creative worksheets not only make learning math fun but also provide immediate feedback, build confidence, and enhance problem-solving skills. This blog explores the benefits of solve-as-you-go riddles and how they can transform your math classroom into a dynamic and engaging learning environment.