5 Mistakes Teachers Make when Teaching Math in K-2 Classrooms // How to teach math effectively

[@carolynalbright6889]

I am a Math person and a Reading person! I am a lifelong learner, and teach that attitude to my students (kindergarten). I have this poster on my door: "Learning: It's not homework, it's LIFE work!

[@SusanJonesTeaching]

Love that, Carolyn!! I feel the same way! Always learning and trying to do better :)

[@tkwfrenchies]

Thank you! I've been a 5th grade reading teacher for the past 12 years. I'm going to be a 2nd grade teacher this year and now will be responsible for all subjects. Your videos are so helpful!

[@lauriegrissom672]

Boy as a 4th grade teacher coming down to 2nd I do understand why our older kids don't retain much. In 2nd grade we teach way too many strategies for addition and subtraction. We do not have the time to spend teaching all those strategies. Our curriculum has us teach a strategie a day! and then we go off and practice it. Then decide which is best. Also I have been teaching math for 25 years. I don't believe about the math anxiety. We all have anxiety. I never did well in math as a student. Thankfully I had a really good teacher in college who helped me see the fun in math.

[@daisymireles7557]

Wonder video! You bring up great points, especially for a new math teacher! Thank you.

[@cassandralytch-colter2133]

I wish there was someone to do this for 3rd grade. However, I take the advice you share and incorporate in 3rd grade. Thanks so much for your time and insight.

[@ruslankim3901]

So awesome. Thank you so much, Susan!

[@94geckos]

Thank you Susan for all that you do to share valuable information. It is helping me continue to grow as an Instructional Coach.

[@JoylieC]

Thank you!

[@hawthorne1504]

What I mean by math dialogue, is a student shoukd develop how to talk themselves through math: everytime they see or draw the less than symbol, they should say to themselves… less than, greater than…when doing addition they should say. Put down the 5, carry the one, in substraction they should say… can I take 6 from 2… no way, go to tens and Birtow a ten and give it to 2…I could go on and on. In short teachers are in a rush to teach a concept too quickly and don’t work with the concrete first… their focus is on completing worksheets.

[@stephanieadam5878]

Just wondering if you have any recommendations of good math PD books? I teach first grade. There are SOOOO many SOR PD books and they are all amazing! However, I am looking for some amazing Math PD books!

[@hawthorne1504]

I don’t like the reliance on gimmicks and rhymes instead of developing a math dialogue as we did when we were in school, I don’t like that they teach big on the bottom strategy, kings and queens , and alligator mouth, these should be used as last resort. I think the teachers focus on how to get the kids to do a specific topic, just to get through it, but then the students have low comprehension, even if the rhyme snd gimmicks helps them to Get through the worksheet.. they don’t understand and don’t retain.

[@ellenschwetschenau7677]

First let me say, I enjoy your videos. You have many great ideas. This one, however had me a bit put off. I appreciate that you know many things. However, this video was a bit patronizing You are young. Clearly you haven't taught long enough to be an 'expert'. Maybe this should have been framed as suggestions you have found to work. Experienced teachers, I can assure you, know that it's important to use manipulatives at the beginning of teaching concepts.

[@SusanJonesTeaching]

Hi Ellen! Thank you for your feedback. This type of video is simply framed as a way to share 5 things to try and do better when teaching math. I thought I had made it clear in the video, that I have made all these mistakes in the past and I shared how to "fix" them. We are always all learning and trying to do our best. I don't pretend to ever be an expert and that is usually made clear on my channel - that I am learning and growing along with teachers every day. While I have over 10 years of teaching experience, I recognize that is nothing compared to those who have twice, if not triple that! Also, if you feel that you don't make any of these mistakes- that is great, this video isn't for you then! But I, personally, have made them so I know others have too. I will re-think the phrasing I use in the future.

[@melissabullard3128]

I intial had that same thought for a minute but teachers of ANY experience level can skip the hands on/concrete step especially if being pressed by the district to stay on pacing. Plus some experienced teachers just want to use worksheets. Even though she is a younger teacher and I am "quite experienced" she referenced John Van de Walle who was a GIANT in the field of teaching of elementary mathmatics. He happened to be a professor at the college where I got my degree. She has obviously taken his methods to heart and sees the value in efficacy of them.