If teaching fraction operations feels daunting, then this episode full of fresh tips and strategies might be just what your teaching toolbox needs.

Topics Discussed

• Why many teachers don't enjoy teaching fraction operations
• Why it's important to teach this skill conceptually at the start rather than algorithmically
• Strategies, strategies, strategies

Resources

Math Dates Blog Post:  https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/how-to-include-more-math-in-middle-school-math-class/

Fraction strips in the Fraction Toolkit: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/teaching-fractions-with-fraction-toolkit/

Free Fraction training: https://cognitive-cardio-math.thinkific.com/courses/3-fraction-shortcuts-to-avoid-teachers-make-when-teaching-fractions

Fraction program:

https://cognitive-cardio-math.thinkific.com/courses/teaching-fraction-operations

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Unlock the power of nature in your middle school classroom. Today's guest, Victoria Zablocki, has ideas for every subject so this episode has something for every teacher's toolbox.

Topics Discussed

• Benefits beyond the science classroom
• Ideas for incorporating nature
• Thinking about your campus in a new way
• Field trip resources

Connect with today's guest

Website: https://www.naturallyteaching.com/

Naturally Teaching Elementary School podcast: https://www.naturallyteaching.com/naturally-teaching-elementary-podcast/

Naturally Teaching store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Naturally-Teaching

Instagram @naturally.teaching or Facebook at naturally.teaching

Related Episodes

Episode 11 - Color in the Classroom

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/color-in-classrooms/

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Having students tell you they’re not good at math can be heartbreaking. You can tell they believe it because they’ve struggled for years, lost faith in the system, and lost belief in themselves. It’s hard to reach them and let them know that what they’ve been led to believe is not true, but today we are going to share how to build confidence in these kids, and let them know that they can succeed!

Resources

Ellie’s Blog Post on Positive Math Mindsets - 

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/how-to-foster-a-positive-math-mindset/

Brittany’s Fear of Failure Blog Post - 

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2015/12/overcoming-fear-of-failure.html

Ellie math games site:

https://www.cognitivecardiomiddleschoolmathdigitalactivities.com/

Mathematical Mindsets Book:

https://a.co/d/al2HP42

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Writing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about math class or solving problems. But, this powerful practice can enhance understanding, communication skills, and metacognitive awareness.

Resources

Ellie’s Blog Post on Improving Problem-Solving Skills - 

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/help-middle-school-math-students-improve-problem-solving-skills/

Ellie’s Blog Post on Teaching Problem Solving - 

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/teaching-problem-solving-strategies/

Ellie Problem Solving Strategies Doodle Notes

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Problem-Solving-Strategies-Math-Doodle-Notes-Activities-4th-7th-Grade-Math-3429180

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Small changes to your lesson structure can incorporate a lot of fun. Let's dive into 13 ideas you'll want to try with your learners.

Resources

Ellie’s Blog Post - 

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/math-task-cards-with-a-twist-print-and-digital-truth-or-dare/

Math Truth or Dare:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/cognitive-cardio-math/category-math-truth-or-dare-games-258341

Math Wheels:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/cognitive-cardio-math/category-math-doodle-wheels-all-303188

Math Color by Numbers:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/cognitive-cardio-math/category-math-color-by-number-all-161979

Related Episodes

Episode 3 - Three Games to Play in Your Classroom

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/classroom-games-you-can-play-today-episode-3/

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Today we've got ten simple yet transformative strategies that can help you recharge, refocus, and thrive in and out of the classroom. Squeezing self care into your school day isn't easy but it can make a big difference.

Resources

Ellie has a blog post with more information on this topic: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/5-benefits-of-exercise-for-teachers/

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Today we're joined by guest expert Carol Miller of the Counselor Chat Podcast to get the inside scoop about school counselors.

Topics Discussed

• What you might want to ask your counselor before a problem pops up
• What counselors which you understood about their role
• Ways to invite counselors into the mix
• How to work together with your counselor in a teamwork approach

Connect with today's guest, Carol Miller:

https://www.facebook.com/themiddleschoolcounselor/

https://www.instagram.com/counselingessentials/

https://counselingessentials.org/

Star Bound - https://amzn.to/3U8IpIh

Building Champions - https://amzn.to/4859Nwh

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

When you’re gearing up for a new semester, you have an exciting opportunity to refresh your classroom and strategies to better support student learning and engagement. Today we’ve got ten things you can do to get geared up for the new semester, and we’re breaking these into physical environment, emotional environment and academic environment.

Resources

Brittany’s Blog Post

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2020/01/starting-new-semester-off.html

Related Episodes

Ep 1: https://pod.link/1708462661/episode/12356ae8cdb4c26e8b3a84044526094d

Ep 4 https://pod.link/1708462661/episode/a464bfec4a7a0117e3e57c6d59fc39e5

Ep 13: https://pod.link/1708462661/episode/91804ee8af24cc76968872078c8455f0

Ep 31: https://pod.link/1708462661/episode/a29cba7ff792e5c82bba72a2b81f5275

Ep: 47: https://pod.link/1708462661/episode/83e7732049cf645554a5abc0b2680563

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Building a positive classroom culture midway through the year can be worthwhile when you know the old system just isn’t working anymore. Let's make a game plan to get classroom culture back on track mid-year.

Topics Discussed

• Why and how to reset and build a positive classroom culture in the middle of the year?
• Ideas to implement

Resources

Building Positive Classroom Culture Blog Post:

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2016/08/positive-classroom-culture.html

Related Episodes

Ep1: https://pod.link/1708462661/episode/12356ae8cdb4c26e8b3a84044526094d

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Today on The Teaching Toolbox, we’re here to talk about picture books and their place in the middle school classroom. Because picture books aren’t just for K, 1, and 2, picture books are great for any classroom. 

Topics Discussed

• How picture books are applicable in the middle school classroom
• Ways in which we can use picture books in middle school
• Some great picture books and their messages

Resources

Ellie’s Blog Post

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/math-picture-books-for-middle-school/

Amazon Links of Books Referenced:

These Amazon links are an affiliate link from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®.  I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

One Day in the Life of Bubble Gum

The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

If You Find A Rock

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick

The Pencil

Voices in the Park

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos

Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi

Math Curse

The Grapes of Math

The Journey

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation

Henry’s Freedom Box

The Name Jar

Each Kindness

Invisible Boy

The Bad Seed

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form