Sometimes It's the Little Things - Great Math Websites

As a teacher, there are so many little things that thrill me.  The feeling you get when class is over and you know it was a perfect lesson, or as you're teaching you see light bulbs going off across the room and smiles spread across students' faces as they begin to truly "get it."  Or even better, when you ask a question and have every hand shoot into the air whether it's because your students are comfortable enough to take chances or confident enough to know they are correct.  There are so many thrills in the classroom each day but the majority of these thrills stem from the amount of preparation put into each lesson or thought put into the pacing of a unit to be sure that each student has the foundation they need in order to make the growth expected. 

Outside of the classroom, I get these same thrills when I find something that can help move my students to where I need them to be.  There are only so many hours in a day, and quite frankly, I only get my students for one 45 minute period per day.  Not a long time to teach a year's worth of 5th grade math!  I welcome any resources I can find to support my teaching and love to share what I find!! 

This year I began, upon the recommendation of a friend in another district, using the xtramath program.  This is a program that is set up to help students practice their basic facts.  I was able to register my whole class and I can track their progress from anywhere.  I highly recommend checking out this site whether because you are a teacher who needs your students to continue to build on their basic facts, or a parent who is looking for a good program for your own children.  Best part?  It's FREE!!!!!

Click here to try out xtramath!

Another great resource and fun place for kids to visit for TONS of math games is

Mr. Nussbaum's.  Mr. Nussbaum's site is not only great for math, but for all subject areas.  My kids love Place Value Pirates along with many other fantastic math games that build upon basic skills. 

Check it out!  Oh- and again...best part...it's FREE!!!!!