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Recent Newsletter Articles
Tools of Algebra: Linear Functions, Part 1
With these materials, students learn the concepts to flexibly create, interpret, and use linear functions. Part 1 focuses on (1) number patterns, repeating patterns, growing patterns, and visual patterns; (2) how to use input/output machines to understand the basic structure of functions; and (3) how functions can be represented in 4 connected ways. Read More
Estimating
This workbook has activities to help students develop their number sense through estimation. As they work through the activities, they will look at different strategies for estimating in different contexts. Some of those strategies include partitioning, using your own body as a benchmark, as well as multiple strategies for estimating with numbers. The workbook offers strategies, examples for students to develop their own strategies, and then space to reflect on their learning. An optional video and asynchronous mini-course are also available. Read More
Multiply without Memorizing
This workbook has activities to help students develop their conceptual understanding of multiplication. As they work through the activities, they will look at different strategies for grouping, including arrays and decomposing larger multiplication problems into friendlier numbers. The workbook offers strategies, examples for students to develop their own strategies, and then space to reflect on their learning. An optional video and asynchronous mini-course are also available. Read More
Playing with Patterns
This workbook has activities for students to develop their algebraic reasoning through an investigation of patterns. As they work through the activities, they will look at different kinds of patterns, find rules for how those patterns work, and use what they notice to guess what comes next. The workbook offers different ways of looking at patterns, examples for students to develop their own ways of seeing, and then space to reflect on their learning. An optional video and asynchronous mini-course are also available. Read More
Three-Dimensional Geometry: Shapes
In these materials, students explore concepts in three-dimensional (3D) geometry and measurement, including: identifying the types of solids in the world around us, measuring the surface area and volume of solids, and understanding where the geometric formulas on the HSE come from. Read More
Three-Dimensional Geometry: Area
In these materials, students explore concepts in three-dimensional (3D) geometry and measurement, including: identifying the types of solids in the world around us, measuring the surface area and volume of solids, and understanding where the geometric formulas on the HSE come from. Read More
Three-Dimensional Geometry: Volume
In these materials, students explore concepts in three-dimensional (3D) geometry and measurement, including: identifying the types of solids in the world around us, measuring the surface area and volume of solids, and understanding where the geometric formulas on the HSE come from. Read More
Do You Know Your Bill of Rights?
Activity where students refer to "The Constitution and Rights" section of the Judicial Learning Center's website, which explains the amendments in the Bill of Rights, and fill in a handout with key vocabulary. A good intro to constitutional rights; could be used as a vocabulary activity for high-level ELL or GED students, or a digital literacy activity. Note: This website also has an Educator Center with a variety of additional podcast and video activities, online learning modules, lesson plans, and other resources. Read More
Citizenship News
Collection of links to free citizenship test prep materials. (The author also has her own citizenship class textbooks for sale.) The "News" page tracks changes to the N-400 citizenship application form and USCIS administration of the test. Read More
Native Land Digital
The Native Land Digital interactive map shows which Indigenous lands you live on in the Americas and in other parts of the world. Users can click on labels or enter their city, state or zip code and see which Indigenous peoples lived in that specific area. Accompanying the interactive map is a useful teacher's guide that provide suggestions on how to use the map in the classroom and a number of lessons that utilize the map and cover other topics related to the Indigenous peoples. Read More