Prime factorization with factor trees (actually, using factor trees in general), in my opinion and experience, is the WORST! Organized kids can usually keep track of what they need to, but many struggling students lose "branches" of their trees and forget that they still need to factor composite numbers like 6. If a kid learned … Continue reading Prime Factors *with cakes and ladders*
Algebra 1
Solving Equations *the river method*
In keeping with my namesake, "Eat, Pray, Solve for X," it only makes sense for me to make my first *real* post about solving for x! My thoughts on Combining Like Terms were just a stepping stone in the process... In the good ol' days, I used to solve equations traditionally just like my teachers … Continue reading Solving Equations *the river method*
Combining Like Terms *with boxes*
Combining like terms (CLT) is fundamental to solving equations. Even if I include the distributive property during this lesson, I always give students at least 1 full period to process and practice before we move on to equations. Let's be honest, it usually takes a few days of warm-ups before they start to fully get … Continue reading Combining Like Terms *with boxes*
Eat, Pray, Solve for X 