Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

As the name suggests, this website offers numerous math videos. The videos answer specific questions (sent in by students). General topics include numbers and their properties, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percents, geometry, measurement, data, word problems, and advanced topics. The website currently features 20-30 videos. New ones are frequently added. Students and teachers are able to send in specific math questions, but the response time is currently "on delay." The videos are mainly audio with simple illustrations.

tag(s): decimals (85), fractions (159), measurement (123), numbers (120), percent (59)

If you are looking for a new way to teach and practice fractions, take a look at this website that was collected by a math specialist (former 5th grade teacher). The website includes nearly twenty interactive math activities, which all relate to fractions. Some of the general topics include fraction strips, circle fractions, area fractions, like fractions, fraction bars, fractions and decimals, fractions and percentages, comparing fractions, and several others.

tag(s): decimals (85), fractions (159), percent (59)

This large collection of math activities was organized by a math specialist (former 5th grade teacher). The activities are organized into categories based upon the topic beginning with numbers and moving up in levels to statistics and probability. In addition to selecting games by math concept, use the grade level links to choose games appropriate for first through sixth grade. Many, but not all, activities include correlations to Common Core Math Standards. Make sure you scroll down to the bottom of the home page to find a series of video explanations of math topics. Teachers, also check out the link for teachers that includes number lines, hundreds charts, pattern block activities, and much more.
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tag(s): addition (127), counting (61), division (96), measurement (123), multiplication (120), patterns (61), probability (98), statistics (120), subtraction (108), symmetry (25), tangrams (8)

This website includes four interactive web activities that were organized by a math specialist (and former 5th grade teacher). The specific topics include spinners, dice, and dice tallying.

tag(s): probability (98)

This phenomenal collection of interactive statistics activities was organized by a math specialist (a former 5th grade teacher). There are about seven activities provided. Specific topics of interest include a few graph maker activities, pie charts, mean and median, and spinners.

tag(s): charts and graphs (169), mean (19), median (16), statistics (120)

This collection of nearly twenty interactive measurement activities was organized by a math specialist (former 5th grade teacher). Specific topics include telling time and clock math, balances, standard measurement, metric system, liquid measurement, proportions, coins, and others. Many of the activities can be individualized by choosing specific topics, difficulty levels, and various other options.

tag(s): measurement (123), money (113), time (91)

This fabulous collection of interactive multiplication activities was organized by a math specialist (former 5th grade teacher). Some of the specific topics include flash cards, multiples of 10, multiplication tiles, factorization, and numerous others.

tag(s): factors (28), multiples (15), multiplication (120)

This fantastic collection of links was organized by a math specialist (a former 5th grade teacher). The site provides over forty interactive math activities that all relate to geometry. Some of the specific topics include pattern blocks, square tiles, pentominoes, geoboards, symmetry, tangrams, triangles, angle measures, polyhedra, cartesian grids, tessellations, point of view, and numerous other topics. What a wonderful resource to use with elementary or middle school math students.

tag(s): angles (51), symmetry (25), tangrams (8)

The collection of over fifty interactive math activities was organized by a math specialist (former 5th grade teacher). Some topics are for primary grades (such as the count aloud and sequence activities). Other topics are more complex (such as factorization and equations). Specific topics include base 10, counting, sequence, ordinals, odd and even numbers, place value, addition, equations, subtraction, integers, number line, Venn diagrams, algebra, factorization, cuisennaire rods, and others. What a fabulous resource for any elementary math class.

tag(s): counting (61), equations (118), factors (28), integers (21), numbers (120), place value (33), preK (291)

Although this website appears to offer a simple list of lesson plans, it is a "diamond in the rough." All of the lesson plans relate to the same standard, students will expand number sense to include integers and perform operations with whole numbers, simple fractions, and decimals. Specific lesson plans include, "How Much is a Million," "Multiplication Strategy Review," "Partial Quotient," "Mixed Number/Improper Fraction Review," "Playground Measurement," and "Fraction Track." All lesson plans are extremely detailed and provide standards, material lists, step-by-step instructions, interactive elements, links, printable pages, and more. Some of the links require JAVA. Get it from the Teachers First Toolbox page. All grade levels from K through Calculus available.

tag(s): fractions (159), measurement (123), mixed numbers (8), multiplication (120), numbers (120)

This website is truly a rare find - combining math and reading skills. Although the main page is aesthetically plain, the activities are very challenging. Most are set-up as word problems that require reading, comprehension, math skills, and more. The "outline math problems" provide students with 3-5 choices. You simply click on the blank and the choices for the answers are provided. There are activities for primary grades (such as basic addition practice) as well as advanced activities for secondary grades (such as geometry concepts). Many of the activities require JAVA. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..

tag(s): angles (51), logic (160), multiples (15)

Check out this easy-to-use flashcard site useful for any subject area. The Leitner System of efficiently learning facts through flashcards makes learning a breeze. This online version actually graphs the results of a study session so you can see progress. The sign-up for this free tool is ultra-quick and requires no email address. The set-up is quite user friendly. Within a few minutes of accessing this site, you have personalized flashcards to help with learning. Another cool feature: when you give your card sets the same 'tag,' you automatically have the ability to study those multiple sets together. After the study session, you will see the study stats for just those card sets. Flashcards couldn't be easier!

tag(s): word study (58)

What a wonderful tool to use in any classroom. This website provides an online stop watch (as the name suggests). On the home page, you have your choice of a stop watch (counting up from 0) or a countdown (for the number of minutes or seconds you choose). There is even a "large stop watch" link that makes the counting a full-screen adventure (perfect if you are using your desktop computer at a distance -- easier for students to see).

tag(s): counting (61)

This website provides numerous activities (mainly printable pages) all about the circus. Subject areas include math, language arts, writing, poetry, and other areas. Some of the pages include coloring pages, literature themes, alliteration, word searches, writing prompts, and more. Be aware, although most of this website is free - a few of the printable pages require a membership.

tag(s): counting (61), handwriting (15), poetry (195), writing (323)

This educational website was created by a Canadian primary teacher. It offers links to numerous practical activities on the topic of "numbers." Most are interactive and all have educational value. Specific number topics include foundations, counting, addition, subtraction, fractions, and place value. Some of the activities still require Flash so be sure to check before assigning to students. The acivities that don't require Flash make this site worth the visit.

tag(s): addition (127), counting (61), fractions (159), numbers (120), place value (33), subtraction (108)

Students must identify where Squigly is on a line using ordinal numbers and click the WORD for that number. This site is simple and will help students with ordinal numbers and vocabulary.

tag(s): numbers (120)

This site offers a simple interactive way to create bar graphs. Add a title for the graph, labels for the x and y axis and the value for each item to be graphed. Change the color of each bar then click on "Generate graph" to see the results. NOTE: Graph can be printed but NOT saved.

tag(s): charts and graphs (169)

This is a TeachersFirst Edge Entry for ANYONE who wants to know more about new technologies. No special skills needed. Watch and learn. If you are embarrassed to say that you don't know what all the "new web 2.0" terms are all about, this one is for you (and probably for your students' parents, as well). Common Craft uses a very simple, visual method of explaining all the latest technologies so that anyone can understand, using short video clips narrated by a positive and respectful voice. The next time you hear someone talking about RSS feeds or some other new doo-dad, stop here first so you will know what they are talking about. Did you think you were the only one who did not know? Fear not. This site has incredible popularity because there are LOADS of people quietly questioning -- just like you. To view the video clips FREE, click on "Video Library" and the topic that you wish to view. Despite a paid membership model, Common Craft still offers the videos for free, but it does have a watermark saying, "For evaluation only." If you wish to share this with a group, they will need to view it on individual/partner computers (or IOS devices) or on a projector that has a zoom function to enlarge a selected area of the screen.
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tag(s): blogs (73), bookmarks (43), social networking (61), video (267), wikis (14)

If you want to learn more about rubrics, find the perfect "ready to go" rubric for almost any subject or project, or create your own original rubric - you will find everything at this one-stop shop. Find the best rubrics "out there" on the web. The general topics of this website include "Student Web Page Rubrics", "Subject Specific and General Rubrics", "Multimedia Rubrics", "Rubric Builders, Generators, and Support", "Educator Technology Skills and Rubrics", and other areas of interest. There are also articles of interest to explain what a rubric is, why they are useful in the classroom, and other pertinent information.

tag(s): assessment (146)

This handy online tool allows you to create customized rubrics "on the fly" for any subject or project. You can print the rubrics directly from the website. You choose the age level (primary, elementary, middle, or high school) and input the name of your rubric. Then a blank rubric appears for you to fill in the details. The blank rubric includes space for the criteria, plus a range to rate (gradations) the quality of the students' work. There are also ready-made rubrics you can print out. The website provides explicit direction about how to use the website (they are in PDF).

tag(s): assessment (146)