New Year Classroom Activities: Goal-Setting and Self-Development for Students

The New Year is here, bringing fresh opportunities for growth with self-development activities for students and teachers alike! The first few weeks back after winter break are the perfect time to set the tone for the rest of the school year. What better way to do that than by guiding your students to reflect on their successes, set meaningful goals, and start building positive habits?

I’m all about activities that are practical, purposeful, and educational—especially in those busy post-holiday weeks. Today, I’m sharing three practical self-development activities for students, designed to help them reflect, set goals, and build positive habits in the classroom. Plus, I’ll show you how to save time with resources that make self-development fun and easy to teach.

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Activity 1: "The Year So Far" Reflection Chart

Reflection is an essential step in student goal-setting activities, helping them understand their strengths and areas for growth. Start the year by having your students think back on what they accomplished in the first half of the school year. Create a simple chart with three columns labeled: “What I’m Proud Of,” “What I Struggled With,” and “What I Want to Improve.”

How to Implement:

• Low-Level Learners: Provide sentence starters or prompts like “One thing I did well was…” or “I found it hard to…”

• Medium-Level Learners: Let them fill out the chart independently, then pair up to share and discuss their reflections with a partner.

• High-Level Learners: Challenge them to write a short paragraph summarizing their reflections and how these insights can guide their goals.

Make It Easier: Use the reflection worksheet from my “Reflection, Goal Setting, and Tracker Worksheet Packet” to save time. It’s pre-made and perfect for this activity! Click HERE.

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Activity 2: “My New Year’s Habit Tracker” Game

Teaching students to build positive habits can feel overwhelming, but using habit tracker games makes the process engaging and fun! Create a habit tracker with simple, achievable goals, like “Finish my homework,” “Help a classmate,” or “Write in my journal.” Students earn points for every day they complete their chosen habit.

How to Implement:

• Low-Level Learners: Focus on one habit per week. Use stickers or stamps to mark their progress visually.

• Medium-Level Learners: Allow them to choose two habits and track them on their own with a simple chart.

• High-Level Learners: Encourage them to design their own habit tracker, complete with a reward system for meeting their goals.

Save Time: My January Daily Habit Tracker takes the guesswork out of this activity, providing a ready-to-use template that’s both simple and visually appealing. Click HERE.

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Activity 3: SMART Goals Scavenger Hunt

Goal-setting is a skill that can feel abstract for students, but teaching them to set SMART goals makes it manageable and effective. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.) Turn it into a scavenger hunt where students move around the room to different stations, each focused on a part of SMART goals. For example, one station could ask, “How can you make your goal measurable?”

How to Implement:

• Low-Level Learners: Create simple, guided questions at each station and have them work in pairs for support.

• Medium-Level Learners: Let them navigate the stations independently, using prompts to guide their thinking.

• High-Level Learners: Ask them to create their own SMART goal at the end and present it to the class.

Enhance the Activity: My SMART Goals Worksheet Packet includes prompts, examples, and writing frames to help your students create meaningful and achievable goals. Click HERE.

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Easy Resources to Make Your Life Simpler

I know how hectic the first few weeks back can be. That’s why I’ve created resources to take the prep work off your plate while giving your students meaningful self-development opportunities. Check out these products:

January 2025 Calendar to Color – Perfect for morning work and early finishers. Click HERE.

Poppin' Into the New Year – A no-prep packet with vocabulary activities, including a word scramble, crack the secret code, word search, definitions matching, crossword puzzle, reflections, goal setting, writing paper, and coloring page. Click HERE

      

New Year Craftivity – An engaging hands-on activity to make goal-setting memorable. Click HERE.

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Wrapping Up

The New Year is a perfect time for fresh starts, and implementing classroom self-development activities can inspire student growth and achievement. Whether it’s reflecting on their progress, building new habits, or setting ambitious goals, these activities will set the stage for a successful year ahead.

Try out these ideas, and if you’re looking for ready-made resources to make your life easier, explore the ones I’ve shared above. Here’s to a year filled with growth, success, and lots of proud teacher moments!

Please click HERE to see educational resources in my Amazon Associate store.

Top 10 Ways to Build Self-Esteem in Children: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Homeschoolers

 

Top 10 Ways to Build Self-Esteem in Your Children

As parents, teachers, and even homeschoolers, one of the most valuable gifts you can give a child is a strong sense of self-worth. Children with high self-esteem are better equipped to face challenges, build meaningful relationships, and grow into confident, happy adults. On the other hand, low self-esteem can lead to struggles such as poor academic performance, difficulty making friends, and even serious issues like depression or anxiety.

Here are 10 actionable ways to nurture self-esteem in your children. These tips are simple yet powerful and can be implemented in everyday life to make a lasting impact.

Want to keep these tips handy? 

Download our free printable “Top 10 Ways to Build Self-Esteem in Your Children” PDF for an easy reference guide! 

Click HERE to get your free download. It’s perfect for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers alike!

1. Draw Attention to Your Child’s Strengths

Everyone loves to feel recognized for what they do well. Whether your child excels in math, art, sports, or kindness, make sure to highlight these strengths. Celebrate their wins, no matter how small. If your child’s strength is playing Go Fish or helping a sibling, let them know you see and appreciate their efforts.

2. Teach Your Child How to Handle Failure

Failure is an inevitable part of life, but how we approach it matters. Help your child understand that failure is a learning opportunity. When something doesn’t go as planned, guide them in analyzing what happened and brainstorming ways to improve. Encourage persistence and emphasize that success often comes after setbacks.

3. Give Your Child Choices

Children feel empowered when they have control over certain aspects of their lives. For example, when getting ready for school, offer a few outfit options and let your child pick their favorite. This simple act helps them feel capable and independent while staying within the boundaries you set.

4. Support Your Child’s Social Life

Peer acceptance is especially important during the school years. If your child’s preferences (like wearing purple jeans) seem unusual to you but help them fit in with their peers, consider supporting those choices. While you don’t need to approve every trend, allowing some flexibility can boost their confidence.

5. Let Them Struggle—But End with Success

Resist the urge to step in at every sign of struggle. Challenges can teach problem-solving and resilience. For example, if they’re building a puzzle and hit a roadblock, offer hints instead of solving it for them. Be sure to celebrate when they overcome the challenge on their own.

6. Be Genuine with Your Praise

Children can sense when praise is insincere. Instead of saying, “This is the best drawing ever,” try focusing on specific details, like, “I love how you used so many colors in this butterfly.” Authentic feedback helps them trust your words and believe in their abilities.

7. Let Them Overhear Your Compliments

Children thrive on positive reinforcement, especially when they overhear it. Mentioning something great about them to a friend or family member while your child is nearby can leave a lasting impression. “Did you see how well Alex cleaned up the yard today? I’m so proud of him!”

8. Avoid Comparisons

Every child is unique. Comparing siblings or classmates can hurt a child’s confidence and create unnecessary tension. Instead of saying, “Why can’t you be as neat as your sister?” focus on their individual strengths and encourage them to improve at their own pace.

9. Spend One-on-One Time Together

Quality time shows your child they matter. Whether it’s playing a board game, baking cookies, or just talking about their day, undivided attention strengthens your bond and boosts their self-worth. They’ll feel valued knowing you chose to spend your time with them.

10. Offer Encouragement and Support

Life can be tough, and kids need to know they’re not alone. When your child is facing challenges, be their biggest cheerleader. Offer words of encouragement like, “I know you’re capable,” or “You’re doing great, keep going.” Imagine what you would have wanted to hear as a child and share those sentiments.

Final Thoughts

Raising children with healthy self-esteem is one of the most important roles a parent or teacher can play. Small, intentional actions each day can make a world of difference in how children see themselves. They’re always watching, listening, and learning from you, so seize those moments to build them up.

By focusing on these strategies, you’ll help your children feel valued, confident, and ready to take on the world.

Printable Place Value Chart and Activity Ideas 4th 5th Grade

 Making Decimal Place Value Stick with Engaging Activities

Decimals can be a tricky concept for our students to grasp, especially when we’re asking them to think beyond whole numbers and into the realms of tenths, hundredths, and beyond. I remember when I first started teaching decimals—it was a challenge to make the learning experience engaging and meaningful for my students. But over time, I found a few strategies that really helped the concept click.

Before we begin with some fun activities, please click HERE to receive a free decimal place value anchor chart.

(Printable PDF format)

Place Value Teaching Ideas for 4th and 5th Grade Students:

• Use Real-World Examples: 

When teaching decimals, I found that connecting the concept to real-life scenarios really made a difference. For example, discussing money is a fantastic way to show students how decimals are used in everyday life. You can set up a classroom store, where students have to add up prices with decimal points, or even organize a mock bank where they deposit and withdraw money.

• Interactive Place Value Charts: 

I used to create large, interactive place value charts that the students could physically manipulate. It’s one thing to see the numbers on paper, but when they can physically move a "1" from the tenths column to the hundredths column, it makes a big difference.

• Math Journals:

Have your students keep math journals where they write down what they’ve learned about decimals each day. Encourage them to include drawings and examples, and ask them to write about how they’ve seen decimals used in their everyday lives. This reflection helps solidify their understanding.

• Differentiated Instruction: 

One thing I’ve learned is the importance of differentiation. Not all students learn in the same way or at the same pace. For students who struggle, I might start with a concrete approach, using manipulatives like base-ten blocks to physically represent the decimal values. For my more advanced students, I challenge them with tasks that involve decimal place values in more complex, real-world scenarios, like calculating discounts during a mock shopping activity.

• Peer Teaching: 

I’ve seen great success with peer teaching. Pairing up students—where one has a firm grasp on decimals and the other is still learning—can be incredibly effective. The student who understands the concept well can reinforce their own learning by teaching it to someone else, and the student who needs help gets a different perspective on the material.

• Visual Aids and Anchor Charts: 

Creating visual aids like anchor charts can help students remember the key concepts. I always keep an anchor chart on the wall that breaks down place values and includes examples of how decimals work in real life. This way, students have a visual reference they can check whenever they’re stuck.

How to Teacher Money Concepts to Grades 1, 2, and 3

Top Questions Teachers Ask About Teaching Kids to Count Money

Today we are going to review an FAQ for teaching money standards to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students.

Before you read all of the questions and answers below, please click HERE to receive a free US coins anchor chart.

Essential FAQs for teaching money to students:

1. How can I help my students differentiate between the different coins?

• Students often struggle to recognize and distinguish between coins like nickels and dimes. What strategies can I use to make sure they can identify each coin correctly?

2.  What’s the best way to teach students to count mixed coins, especially when they  get confused switching between different values?

• My students often lose track when counting a mix of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. How can I help them stay organized and confident when counting various coin combinations?

3.  How can I make counting coins more engaging for my students?

• My students sometimes find counting coins tedious. What activities or games can I use to make the process more fun and interactive?

4.  What should I do if my students are struggling with counting by 5s, 10s, and 25s?

• Some of my students aren’t yet comfortable counting by 5s, 10s, and 25s, which makes counting coins difficult. How can I reinforce these counting skills in a way that connects with money?

5.  How can I incorporate real-life scenarios into teaching coin combinations?

• I want my students to understand how these skills apply outside the classroom. What are some effective ways to use real-world examples to teach them how to count and use coins?

Teaching tips and strategies for elementary teachers:

1. How can I help my students differentiate between the different coins?

• Start by introducing each coin individually, focusing on its size, color, and the images on both sides. Use coin sorting activities where students separate coins into groups based on these characteristics. Visual aids, such as anchor charts or posters, can reinforce the differences between coins. Additionally, engage students in hands-on activities like rubbing crayons over coins on paper to highlight their distinct features. Regular practice and repetition are key to helping students confidently identify each coin.

2.  What’s the best way to teach students to count mixed coins, especially when they get confused switching between different values?

• Begin by teaching students to count each type of coin separately, starting with the highest value (quarters) and moving to the lowest (pennies). Once they’re comfortable, introduce mixed coin combinations, emphasizing the strategy of counting in groups—first quarters, then dimes, nickels, and finally pennies. Using number lines or coin value charts can help students visualize the counting process. Practice with real-life scenarios, like making change or counting out money for a purchase, can also solidify their understanding.

3.  How can I make counting coins more engaging for my students?

• Turn coin counting into a game to make it more fun and interactive. Activities like “Coin Bingo,” where students match amounts of money to their bingo cards, or a “Classroom Store,” where they use coins to buy and sell items, can make learning more dynamic. Incorporate technology by using educational apps that focus on money skills. Additionally, integrating music or rhymes that involve counting coins can make the learning process more memorable and enjoyable for students.

4.  What should I do if my students are struggling with counting by 5s, 10s, and 25s?

• If students are having trouble with skip counting, start by reinforcing these skills without using coins. Use number lines, skip-counting songs, or visual aids like counting charts to help students become more comfortable with counting by 5s, 10s, and 25s. Once they’ve mastered these, gradually introduce coins back into the equation. Practice counting groups of nickels, dimes, and quarters separately before mixing them. Consistent practice and a gradual increase in complexity can help students build confidence and accuracy.

5.  How can I incorporate real-life scenarios into teaching coin combinations?

• Use everyday activities that students can relate to, like setting up a classroom store where they can “buy” and “sell” items using coins. You can also create mock shopping experiences with grocery store flyers, where students practice counting out the exact change for different items. Field trips to local stores or inviting guest speakers to discuss how they use money in their jobs can also provide practical, real-world context. These scenarios make counting coins more relevant and show students the value of these skills in their daily lives.

In this blog post, I’ve gathered some common questions teachers ask about teaching money skills to young students, along with practical tips to make the process easier and more engaging. Whether you're helping students recognize coins or making counting more fun, these strategies are designed to support you in the classroom. I hope you find these ideas helpful as you guide your students in learning to count money.

Please check out these free printable counting money activities and worksheets:

1. Free Counting Money Task Cards

Students love playing games with task cards. You could have a scavenger hunt or play a game of SCOOT. You will also receive 20 activity ideas.

2. Free Counting Money Cut and Paste Worksheets

Your students will have fun counting money with these free cut and paste math worksheets. Pair them with some manipulatives for hands-on learning.

Please click HERE to see math resources in my Amazon Associate store.

Please click HERE to view my Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find great resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!

How Do You Teach Kids in 1st 2nd 3rd Grade to count

Tips for Effectively Teaching Students in Grades 1-3 to Identify and Count Money

Teaching young students to identify and count money is an essential skill that lays the foundation for financial literacy. Here are some effective tips for first, second, and third grade teachers to help their students master coin and dollar identification and counting. They are also perfect for students with special education needs.

Before you read all of the tips below, please click HERE to receive a free US coins anchor chart.

1. Start with Coin Identification

First Grade:

• Introduce Coins One at a Time: Start with the penny, then gradually introduce the nickel, dime, and quarter. Use real coins and large images to help students recognize each coin's unique features.

• Create a Coin Chart: Display a classroom chart showing each coin, its name, and its value. Refer to this chart frequently.

• Hands-On Activities: Use sorting and matching activities where students group coins by type and match them to their corresponding images and values.

Second Grade:

• Review and Reinforce: Begin the year by reviewing the coins introduced in first grade. Use flashcards and interactive games to reinforce recognition.

• Coin Rubbings: Have students create rubbings of coins using crayons and paper. This helps them notice the details and distinguish between different coins.

• Interactive Books and Apps: Utilize educational books and apps focused on money identification to provide a multimedia approach to learning.

Third Grade:

• Detailed Comparisons: Teach students to compare and contrast coins, focusing on size, color, and inscriptions. This helps them distinguish between coins like the dime and the penny.

• Money Bingo: Play games like Money Bingo where students must identify and mark off coins based on their names and values.

• Coin Identification Worksheets: Use worksheets that challenge students to identify coins based on descriptions and images.

2. Teach Counting with Coins

First Grade:

• Counting by 1s and 5s: Start with counting by 1s using pennies. Once students are comfortable, introduce nickels and practice counting by 5s.

• Coin Counting Mats: Use mats with spaces for placing specific numbers of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. This visual aid helps students understand the value of each coin.

• Simple Transactions: Set up a classroom store where students can "buy" items with pennies and nickels. This practical activity helps them apply counting skills in a real-world context.

Second Grade:

• Skip Counting: Practice skip counting by 10s with dimes and by 25s with quarters. Use number lines and charts to support this skill.

• Coin Combinations: Challenge students to make specific amounts using different combinations of coins. For example, "Make 15 cents using two coins."

• Interactive Games: Use online games and apps that focus on counting money to provide interactive practice.

Third Grade:

• Mixed Coin Counting: Introduce counting mixed coins, combining pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters to reach a total amount.

• Counting Money Worksheets: Provide worksheets that include word problems and scenarios where students must count different combinations of coins to solve.

• Classroom Market: Create a more complex classroom market where students use a mix of coins to "purchase" items, helping them practice making change and counting larger sums.

3. Introduce Dollar Bills

First Grade:

• Introducing Dollar Bills: Begin with the $1 bill. Show its size, color, and features compared to coins.

• Matching Activities: Use activities where students match coins to their equivalent dollar amount (e.g., 100 pennies to $1 bill).

• Simple Addition: Teach students to add up coins to reach a dollar. Use visuals to show how many of each coin make up $1.

Second Grade:

• Dollar Equivalents: Introduce $5, $10, and $20 bills. Discuss their values and how they relate to coins (e.g., 5 $1 bills equal a $5 bill).

• Counting with Bills: Practice counting with dollar bills and combining them with coins to reach specific amounts.

• Role-Playing: Use role-playing scenarios where students use dollar bills in transactions, reinforcing the concept of exchanging money.

Third Grade:

• Making Change: Teach students how to make change for transactions involving dollar bills and coins. Use role-playing and real-life scenarios.

• Advanced Counting: Practice counting larger sums of money using a combination of coins and dollar bills. Provide word problems that involve multi-step counting.

• Money Math: Integrate money counting with math lessons, using money as a context for addition, subtraction, and problem-solving activities.

4. Free Downloadable Resource

Don't forget to click HERE to receive a free US coins anchor chart.

YouTube Videos

Money Song

Pencil Rubbing

Interactive Game Demonstration

5. Conclusion

Teaching money identification and counting to young students can be fun and engaging with the right strategies and activities. By starting with basic coin identification, progressing to counting skills, and eventually introducing dollar bills, you can build a solid foundation for your students' financial literacy.

For more resources and printable activities to support your money counting lessons, check out my Counting Money Bundle. 

Happy teaching!

Please take a peek at my Amazon Associate store to see top-selling teacher resources.

Click HERE to view my Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find great resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!

Why are Some Students Better at Math?

Why Are Some Students Better at Math? Spoiler Alert: They Aren’t!

Before we dive into the myths, I’d like to offer you a free checklist to help foster a growth mindset in math for your students. This checklist is packed with practical strategies you can use right away to build resilience, confidence, and a love for learning in every math lesson.

As teachers, we hear it all the time: “Some students are just good at math, and some aren’t.” But the truth? It’s a myth! There’s no special math gene that separates “math people” from everyone else. Every student can succeed in math with the right approach, support, and mindset.

Let’s break down some of the biggest myths about math that can hold students back—and explore how we, as teachers, can help students overcome them.

Myth #1: Math Is All About Memorization

Reality: Sure, memorizing basic facts is helpful, but it’s only a small piece of the puzzle. Real math learning is about building a deep understanding of concepts, developing problem-solving skills, and encouraging critical thinking. When we focus only on memorization, we’re missing out on helping students think flexibly and creatively with numbers.

Myth #2: There’s Only One Right Way to Solve a Math Problem

Reality: Math is full of possibilities, and there are often multiple ways to solve a problem! When we show students different approaches, we’re giving them tools to find solutions in a way that makes sense to them. Embracing variety in problem-solving not only builds confidence but also makes math more accessible for all students.

Myth #3: Speed Matters More Than Understanding

Reality: Racing through problems may feel efficient, but it often leads to shallow understanding. In math, quality beats speed. Encouraging students to slow down, explore, and really understand the “why” behind the answer helps them learn for the long term. Plus, they’ll be less likely to feel defeated when the problems get more challenging.

Myth #4: Some Students Are Just Naturally “Good” at Math

Reality: I’ll admit, I used to believe this one too. But every student has the potential to be successful in math with the right support. Research shows that math ability isn’t a fixed trait—it grows with effort, perseverance, and quality instruction. When we help our students see math as a skill they can develop, they’re more likely to stick with it, even when it’s tough.

As a special education teacher, I saw firsthand how powerful this shift can be. When students know that math success isn’t about natural talent but about growth, they start to believe in their own potential.

Myth #5: Math Should Be Taught Separately from Other Subjects

Reality: Math doesn’t live in isolation! Connecting math to other subjects and real-life contexts helps students see its relevance. From measuring ingredients in a recipe to calculating distances on a map, math is everywhere. Integrating math into other lessons gives students a broader perspective and helps them recognize the role math plays in their daily lives.

Myth #6: Memorizing Algorithms Is More Important Than Understanding Concepts

Reality: Algorithms are helpful, but understanding why they work is essential. When students understand the “why” behind a process, they can apply their knowledge flexibly and solve unfamiliar problems with confidence. Instead of rushing through steps, encourage students to dig into the underlying concepts—they’ll be much better equipped to tackle challenging questions in the future.

Myth #7: Mistakes in Math Are Failures

Reality: This might be one of the hardest myths to bust! Mistakes are a natural and valuable part of learning. When students see mistakes as stepping stones rather than setbacks, they build resilience. Teaching them that mistakes are expected—and even celebrated—helps them develop a growth mindset that serves them well beyond the math classroom.

I want to dig a little deeper on myth #4.

This myth perpetuates the idea that mathematical ability is an inherent trait that some students possess while others do not. It suggests that success in math is predetermined by factors such as genetics or innate talent, leading to a fixed mindset where students believe they are either "good" or "bad" at math based on their perceived natural abilities.

However, research in the field of education and psychology has consistently shown that mathematical ability is not fixed and can be developed over time with the right support and instruction. While some students may initially find certain math concepts challenging, this does not mean they are incapable of mastering them.

A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology titled "The Role of Instructional Support in Students' Developing Mathematical Understanding" by Boaler and Staples (2008) found that providing students with appropriate instructional support significantly improved their mathematical understanding and performance.

 Another study published in the Journal of Research in Mathematics Education titled "Supporting Students' Development of Measurement Concept through Spatial Reasoning Activities" by Verschaffel et al. (2009) demonstrated how targeted instructional activities can enhance students' understanding of mathematical concepts, such as measurement.

Additionally, research by Dweck (2006) on mindset theory emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset in students, which encourages them to believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work rather than being fixed traits. This mindset has been shown to positively impact students' mathematical performance and attitudes towards learning.

Believing in students' abilities and providing them with the necessary support and instruction is key to helping them succeed in math.

Helping Every Student Thrive in Math

Our job as educators isn’t just to teach math; it’s to build confidence, foster curiosity, and create a space where all students can grow. Here are a few ways to make that happen:

Encourage a Growth Mindset: 

Remind students that abilities aren’t fixed. Learning math is a journey, and everyone improves with time and practice.

Differentiate Instruction: 

Every student has unique strengths and challenges. Providing various activities, teaching styles, and tools helps reach all learners.

Celebrate Progress: 

Find moments to celebrate effort and progress—no matter how small. This builds confidence and reinforces the idea that everyone can succeed.

Provide Extra Support: 
Whether it’s one-on-one time, peer tutoring, or extra resources, students benefit from the chance to get a little extra help when they need it. We all learn at different paces, and it’s okay to ask for support.


1. 

By letting go of these myths, we’re not only helping our students see math differently; we’re creating an inclusive classroom where every child feels capable and valued. So, let’s keep showing them that math isn’t just for a select few. With the right mindset and tools, everyone can thrive in math!

Encouraging our students to believe in themselves and in their ability to learn will create confident, resilient learners ready to tackle any math problem that comes their way. Let’s break the myths and build up a love for math together!

Please take a peek at my Amazon Associate store to see top-selling teacher resources.

Click HERE to view our Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find great resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!

Empower Your Love of Teaching With Awesome Free Math Resources!

Teaching elementary math is an exhilarating journey, but it's not without its hurdles. From ensuring our students grasp fundamental concepts to fostering a love for math, we face a multitude of challenges. Fear not, though, because I'm here to guide you through overcoming these obstacles with the help of supplemental math resources.

Problem #1: Sustaining Student Engagement

Picture this: you're in the midst of a math lesson, and you notice some students zoning out or struggling to stay focused. Sound familiar? Engaging young minds in math can be a real challenge, especially with traditional teaching methods.

Solution: My math resources are designed with student engagement at the forefront. I've crafted interactive games, hands-on activities, and captivating exercises that transform math from a chore into a thrill. These resources inject fun and excitement into the learning process, ensuring every student stays eager and enthusiastic about math.

Problem #2: Addressing Conceptual Gaps

One of the biggest hurdles in teaching elementary math is bridging the gap between foundational concepts and more complex material. It's all too common to find students struggling to grasp new concepts because they haven't fully mastered the basics.

Solution: My resources are your roadmap to concept mastery. I've meticulously broken down complex topics into bite-sized chunks, providing clear explanations, step-by-step examples, and plenty of practice opportunities. Whether it's fractions, geometry, or multiplication, my resources ensure every student builds a solid foundation in math.

Problem #3: Maximizing Classroom Efficiency

Time is our most valuable resource in the classroom, and wasting it on inefficient planning or rushed lessons is simply not an option. But with so much to cover and so little time, how can we make the most of every minute?

Solution: Say goodbye to endless hours of planning and hello to streamlined efficiency. My ready-to-use math resources are your secret weapon for optimizing classroom time. With a vast array of pre-made materials, including worksheets, interactive notebooks, and activities, all aligned with curriculum standards, you can wave goodbye to endless prep work and focus on what you do best - teaching!

Problem #4: Assessing Student Progress

Assessment is a vital component of effective teaching, but finding the right tools to gauge student understanding can be a challenge. How can we ensure our assessments are comprehensive, insightful, and effective?

Solution: My resources offer a comprehensive suite of assessment tools designed to make tracking student progress a breeze. From quizzes and tests to performance tasks and exit tickets, these resources provide invaluable insights into student learning. With detailed analytics and customizable assessments, you can pinpoint areas for improvement, provide targeted support, and celebrate student success like never before.

Teaching elementary math may have its challenges, but with the right resources and strategies, we can conquer them all. My math resources are your trusted ally in the quest for math mastery, offering engaging activities, comprehensive lessons, and effective assessments to ensure every student thrives. Ready to elevate your math instruction? Let's embark on this journey together.

To see all of my free math teaching resources, please

Click HERE to view our Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find great resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!