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Math Work Mats to Help Students Master 4th Grade Concepts

July 12, 2022 by Krejci Creations

When exploring a new topic, rarely will you see my students using their math workbooks. Instead, you’ll find them working with manipulatives, such as fraction tiles, place value discs, or unifix cubes. You may also see them writing in their math notebook or solving problems on math work mats. What exactly are math work mats, and why are they so effective?

Math Work Mats

Math work mats are guided templates and graphic organizers that guide students in learning math concepts. They can be used in a variety of ways, for instance, during a whole group lesson, independent practice, or as an accommodation for a test.

Students can glue them into interactive notebooks to keep as a reference or place them in dry-erase sleeves for multiple uses.

Regardless, the end goal is for students to solve problems without the support of the work mat. Therefore, work mats are structured to provide a gradual release of instruction.

The equivalent fractions and decimals work mats shown above are from my Fraction and Decimal Work Mat set with 10 work mats included. These work mats provide visual models and number lines to help students build conceptual understanding of fractions and decimals.

Another skill work mats do wonders for is long division. These work mats guide students on digit placement and help them align their numbers.

Click the button to try a FREE sample of my long division work mat collection!

Now, if the thought of long division makes you cringe, check out this BLOG POST with 8 helpful tips for teaching long division.

Tips for using math work mats

As I mentioned above, you can place work mats inside dry-erase sleeves and have students use Expo markers to solve problems. When possible, print them double-sided with the different levels provided.

The work mats I create and use have at least two levels. Once students understand the simpler problems on the front side, they can move on to more complex problems on the back.

Furthermore, give students the option of using a blank whiteboard at any time when they are ready.

Some students will be ready after just a few examples, while others will need more time before they can solve problems without the support of work mats.

Glue Math work mats in notebooks

In addition to placing them in dry-erase sleeves, work mats can also be glued into interactive notebooks. These mini mats become a reference page, or anchor chart, for students to refer back to. You can also print these as a poster to create a classroom anchor chart!

The Distributive Property work mat is a great reference tool for 4th graders as they learn more difficult multiplication strategies. Students also love to color, so incorporate this when you can. It helps them take ownership of their work and often makes math concepts more clear.

Storing work mats

I store my work mats in 3-ring binders and organize them by chapter. This system allows me to easily find what I need when planning and preparing materials. You will need a large number of dry erase sleeves to store all of your work mats, but it is worth it to not have to refill them each time!

Work mats are an effective resource that all teachers need in their toolboxes. Take a look at my collection of 4th grade work mats to help you get started!

Skills include:
✅ Rounding Whole Numbers
✅ 1-Digit Multiplication Strategies
✅ 2 by 2 Digit Multiplication
✅ 3 by 2 Digit Multiplication
✅ Long Division
✅ Factors, Multiples, and Prime & Composite Numbers
✅ Multiples of Fractions
✅ Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Renaming
✅ Fractions and Decimals
✅ Relating Angles, Degrees, and Fractions of a Circle
✅ Area and Perimeter

Until next time,
Happy Teaching!

-Annamarie

P.S. In case you missed it, grab your own copy of the FREE Long Division Work Mat!

Math Games – 3 Reasons Why I Switched From Printable to Digital

June 7, 2022 by Krejci Creations

Walk into my classroom on any given day and you’ll see students playing math games. Games spark instant engagement and are a great way to practice math concepts. They teach students important social skills and provide opportunities to build relationships with their peers. Simply put, games are fun…and we want students to have fun, right?

Playing Games in a Pandemic

The pandemic forced me to rethink how I implemented math games in my classroom. Early on, students were not allowed to share materials, so playing a typical board game was out of the question. I was determined to find a way to provide these activities for my students. If there was ever a need for play in the classroom, it was during the pandemic.

Once I figured out how to embed dice in Google Slides, I added game pieces and set the game board as the background. Not only was this fairly simple, but my students also loved playing digital games! As I watched them play, I began to see the benefits of going digital.

Digital vs. Printable

There are 3 main reasons why I prefer digital math games over printable ones. First, all materials (dice, game pieces) are embedded, making them a NO PREP resource and mess-free!

Second, if students don’t finish playing in one class period, they can pick up where they left off the next day and actually finish the game. Students often run out of time with printable games and never finish playing.

The third thing I love about digital games is that I can view their progress at any time and even comment on their game. This creates more accountability and ownership than they had with printable math games.

Bump Game - A classroom Favorite

In this factor game, students roll two dice, add them together, and locate that number on the table. They then cover a baseball which shows a factor of that number. Students love this game because of the ability to “bump” their opponent’s game piece off the board when they also play that space.

However, once a player has two game pieces covering one space, that space is locked and cannot be bumped. The first player to place all 10 of their game pieces on the board wins!

Digital > Printable

Digital games solved every single problem I had with printable games. I no longer had students playing around with materials or throwing dice across the room. Gone were the days of game pieces being spread all over the floor (and so often never put away). Games did not become damaged from poor treatment. Once I went digital, I never went back!

All math games are created using Google Slides, making them super easy to assign to students. I’ve used Google Classroom as well as Schoology, and both platforms are teacher-friendly when it comes to assigning games.

If you haven’t used digital math games, I hope I’ve convinced you to give them a shot! They are perfect for math choice boards and early finishers, and can even be sent home to play as a family.

Click HERE to visit my TPT store where you’ll find over 40 fourth-grade math games to choose from!

If games are your thing, then Episode 18 of Elementary Math Chat is a must-listen! I share 7 review games to play in the classroom, and you can listen HERE or on your preferred listening app!

Until next time,
Happy Teaching!

-Annamarie

P.S. If you like digital resources, read this BLOG POST all about digital Boom Cards!

Subtract Mixed Numbers With Regrouping Using Unifix Cubes

January 7, 2022 by Krejci Creations

Math manipulatives are an essential part of elementary education. For years my go-to manipulatives were base 10 blocks, fraction tiles, and pattern blocks. I used them with place value, subtracting whole numbers, and pretty much every fraction concept, including when I taught students to subtract mixed numbers.

They did help my students learn, but these hands-on resources caused a lot of frustration. Not only did they take a lot of time to pass out and collect, but half of them would also wind up on the floor!

Oh, and the noise…the noise!!! Can we please make all math manipulatives out of foam? I soon discovered a much better resource that would end my frustrations for good.

In 2018, I was lucky enough to attend not one, but TWO of Greg Tang’s conferences. If you ever get the chance to see him, it will change your teacher-life forever!

It was during his conference that I discovered the magic of teaching with unifix cubes. My mind was BLOWN!

Although I had these manipulatives in my classroom, my students mainly used them during indoor recess. In my mind, unifix cubes seemed more suitable for primary grades, so I never considered them when teaching 4th or 5th grade.

But my mindset changed as I watched Greg Tang teach several upper elementary skills using unifix cubes. They quickly became my manipulative of choice and were a regular tool my students used when first learning a concept.

What Sets Unifix Cubes Apart

Remember my beef with manipulatives I mentioned earlier? Well, unifix cubes are different. For starters, they are SUPER EASY to distribute and collect. In addition, they are simple for students to assemble, and because of this, they are much less likely to end up on the floor.

Since learning about unifix cubes, I’ve incorporated them when teaching prime and composite numbers, multiplicative comparisons, and converting improper fractions & mixed numbers. However, my favorite skill to pair unifix cubes with is subtracting mixed numbers with regrouping.

Subtract Mixed Numbers with Regrouping

The first time I used them with this lesson, I was SHOCKED! My students actually understood what they were learning, and they were having FUN!

We then progressed to solving problems without manipulatives. I was in even more shock as I watched my students solve these problems with ease. This strategy was WORKING!

In that moment, I wanted to give Greg Tang a gigantic hug and thank him for sharing his brilliant ideas. So, how exactly do these manipulatives work with subtracting mixed numbers? I’m so glad you asked!

Let me walk you through two examples.

Step 1: Model with Unifix Cubes

To begin, have students model the mixed number they are subtracting from with their unifix cubes. In this example, they would model 3 and 2/5.

Since the denominator is 5, each whole number represents 5/5. Therefore, three groups of 5/5 are placed on the whole number side, and 2/5 are placed on the fraction side.

This first step alone is an important concept for 4th graders!

In fact, I recommend having your students model 3-4 mixed numbers before you even begin subtracting just so they get the hang of it.

Step 2: Regroup the Mixed Number

Next, it’s time to regroup the mixed number in order to subtract the fractional parts.

Modeling with unifix cubes helps students see why they need to regroup. How can they take away 4/5 when they only have 2/5?

By moving one whole over to the fraction side, they will understand why the 3 becomes a 2, and why the 2/5 changes to 7/5. This is the most difficult step, and unifix cubes make this crystal clear.

Step 3: Subtract and Solve

Finally, students subtract the fractions and whole numbers. Make sure to use a variety of denominators to reinforce how they affect regrouping. It’s also important to practice subtracting fractions from whole numbers. Students often struggle when there isn’t a fraction to subtract from.

Example #2
Watch this video to see another example of subtracting mixed numbers from start to finish.

This is from my Subtract Mixed Numbers with Regrouping PowerPoint lesson you can find linked below.

Subtract Mixed Numbers Resources

Are you ready to get started teaching with unifix cubes? I know you are! The work mat used in the examples is FREE and can be used during your whole group lesson or in small groups.

Full page and 4-to-a-page versions are included. Both can be glued in notebooks or placed in dry erase sleeves.

Click the button to grab this freebie!

Subtract Mixed Numbers Task Cards

Task cards are my go-to math resource because of their versatility. Whether used as a daily warm-up, practice for small group centers, or posted around the room for a gallery walk, task cards are effective and easy to use.

The first set includes images of the unifix cubes to reinforce the whole group lesson. The digital version includes moveable pieces to guide students as they solve!

The second set is less guided without the models. The questions increase in difficulty and have students subtract from both mixed numbers and whole numbers.

The editable PowerPoint Lesson includes printable and digital activities to use in math centers. All of these resources will support your students as they learn how to subtract mixed numbers with regrouping!

What Teachers are Saying

Want to know what other teachers are saying about these resources? Looks like I’m not alone in my love for unifix cubes!

Brittanie: “I downloaded your free template using these unifix cubes and used it with my summer school students this year. They instantly made the connection and understood it better than they did during school. They were all saying things like “this makes so much sense now” or “this is so easy this way”.

Kelly: “This was really helpful for teaching my fourth graders about fraction subtraction with regrouping. I never thought to use linking cubes before. I had my students make the problems with the cubes and then used this product on the Smartboard. It was great! Thank you!”

Amanda: “My kids were so stuck on this until I used this resource! Next year I am going to start my unit with this! Thank you!!!”

Teaching with Unifix Cubes

If you’re ready to get started teaching with unifix cubes, be sure to listen to Episode 26 of Elementary Math Chat where I share 4 additional skills you can teach with unifix cubes. This episode will make you love unifix cubes even more!

Listen by clicking the button or through your preferred listening app.

Until next time,
Happy Teaching!

P.S. If work mats are your thing (and I hope they are), you’ll want to read this BLOG POST!

A New Twist on Anchor Charts: QR Codes with Video Tutorials

December 1, 2019 by Krejci Creations

For years I had a love/hate relationship with anchor charts. I knew how beneficial they could be, but I just couldn’t grasp the logistics of posting and storing them. I’d scope out other classrooms and search endlessly on Pinterest for ideas, but what worked for others didn’t work for me.

Because of this, I gave up on anchor charts completely. It wasn’t until I realized how much my students needed these reminders that I reconsidered. They were learning a new math skill every single day! Of course, they were going to forget some along the way. I was determined to find a solution.

To Post or Not To Post

For starters, I didn’t know how to properly store my anchor charts, nor did I have the time and energy to figure it out. As a result, they piled up on top of my cabinets and collected dust. Ohhhhh, the dust. In addition, I’d have to pull them all down just to find the one I needed.

Another problem was wall space, or the lack thereof, so I would only post charts related to current topics. Those, however, weren’t the only skills students were forgetting. My mind went down a rabbit hole. Should I post anchor charts from earlier in the year, or should I just post them all? Would that be too overwhelming? I found faults with each option, so coming up with a solution was a challenge.

On top of all that, not every student was able to look at an anchor chart and remember what to do. They needed a thorough example worked out and explained by me. I finally came up with a solution: mini anchor charts with an interactive twist. My love for alliteration inspired me to call them “reference rings”!

Bringing Anchor Charts to Life

With the addition of a simple QR code, I’ve brought these anchor charts to life. My students no longer have to wonder how I arrived at the answer. By scanning the QR code, they now see an example modeled and explained by me.

All of my videos use manipulatives/visuals when possible and focus on conceptual learning. They have been a lifesaver! So, who exactly are these videos for?

Anchor Charts for Absent Students

Most recently, a student of mine was absent and missed my lesson on simplifying fractions. The next day, he felt behind and expressed how much he hated simplifying fractions. Statements like this are so hard to hear as a teacher!

A few days later, we did a review activity that included simplest form. He completed it with ease! I told him how impressed I was that he overcame his battle. He replied, “I watched the simplest form reference ring video a few times, and now I’m an expert.” He felt proud and relieved that he had mastered this difficult concept. I was thrilled!!!

Anchor Charts for Struggling Students

Not all students master a skill after a 30-minute whole group lesson; that’s what small group instruction is for. Even with this additional support, there are often a few students who still won’t fully understand,

I encourage these students to watch a reference ring video after they leave my group. Sometimes this is exactly what they need: one-on-one instruction. Reference rings are especially helpful when students are struggling but don’t want to interrupt my small group. We make reference rings part of our “Ask 3 Before Me” rule!

Anchor Charts for Enrichment

On the other hand, some students learn concepts so quickly that it’s hard to keep up with them. They soak up any knowledge they can get and run with it. Those students in particular have loved watching my reference ring videos on future topics. Several have even pretested out of chapters because of this!

These interactive anchor charts can also be displayed as a bulletin board using the full-size version. I typically post only the charts related to the current unit and include a few review skills. The mini anchor charts remain posted and available at all times since they don’t take up much space.

Want to try a reference ring set for yourself? Grab the Place Value FREEBIE, or shop the BUNDLE which includes 70 tutorial videos for 4th grade math!

Until next time,
Happy Teaching!

-Annamarie

How to Make the Most of Review Days with Boom Cards

May 12, 2019 by Krejci Creations

I used to DREAD review days. The challenge of trying to keep an entire class engaged and on task left me overwhelmed and exhausted. While most of my 4th graders didn’t need to review, others required serious remediation. I tried playing review games (who doesn’t love a good game of Jeopardy?), but only a handful of students were engaged and very few benefited. In the end, I never felt satisfied and knew there had to be a better way of utilizing these days.

Small Group Review

One day it dawned on me. What I needed to do was shift my focus from whole group review to small group review. This way, I could meet with the students who truly needed remediation separately from those who did not. But how could I know with certainty which students to reteach and what skills to focus on? I needed data, and I needed it fast. Boom Cards™ immediately came to mind.

Going Digital

If you haven’t tried a set of Boom Cards, pencil them into your next unit lesson plan. These digital task cards are such a time-saver and are easy to implement in class. They provide immediate feedback for students and will give you valuable data, including which problems students answer incorrectly and how long it takes them to complete the assignment. Below is a picture of the data analysis Boom Learning does for you.

On top of that, students LOVE them! They were a game-changer for me. Learn how to use Boom Cards in the classroom in my previous post!

Chapter Review Boom Cards

I created my first set of Chapter Review Boom Cards during Chapter 7 of Go Math: Add and Subtract Fractions. My students completed this review two days before the test. The data showed me exactly who was struggling and what concepts they were struggling with.

It was obvious they didn’t need more practice adding and subtracting fractions. Their struggle was with mixed numbers. Furthermore, the data showed me who did not require additional support from me. I was AH-MAZED! Planning for review days just got that much easier. I now knew exactly who to work with and what to work on.

I first met with students who needed remediation, and we only worked on mixed numbers. In addition, I provided enrichment activities for the others, including the next chapter’s pretest. How did I not think of this sooner? Immediately, I got to work on creating a set of Chapter 8 Review Boom Cards. Before I knew it, all 13 Chapter Reviews were finished!

Less is More

From here on out, I use the phrase “less is more” to plan out review days. I meet with fewer students and cover fewer topics but accomplish more. I could not achieve this without the data from my Chapter Review Boom Cards! Below is a preview of my review on Angles and Degrees, which aligns with Chapter 11 in Go Math.

All 13 Chapter Reviews contain 3-5 questions per lesson and use a variety of question types, such as drag-and-drop, multiple choice, multiple select, and fill-in-the-blank. Questions are organized from the first lesson to the last, making it easy to read and interpret data.

If you are short on time, assign them for homework! The immediate feedback will help you plan which skills to review in whole group and which to review in small groups. In addition, you can identify which lessons you need to focus on more throughout the unit.

Digital and Printable Versions

If you have limited access to technology, I also offer printable versions. Personally, I like to use both. For example, when looking through my data I’ll pull out task cards aligning with the questions most commonly missed. I can then use these cards to review with students and discuss why they missed the questions in the first place and/or what misconceptions they had. Why reinvent the wheel when it’s already been made?

If you struggle with review days, try my “less is more” approach. Use data from Boom Cards to prioritize and plan your small group activities. Click on the links below for more information regarding my 4th Grade Math Reviews!

Digital Boom Cards

Printable Task Cards

Until next time,