Math Resources and Ideas for Upper Elementary Teachers

  • HOME
  • Podcast
  • BLOG
  • Math Resources
  • FREE Resources
  • TPT STORE
You are here: Home / Archives for 4th grade math

5 Tips to Build an Effective Lesson Plan in Minutes

June 8, 2023 by Krejci Creations

I remember being so excited about heading back to school. The weeks before were spent setting up my classroom, preparing for Open House, creating class lists, labeling EVERYTHING, and making sure all items on my to-do list were checked off. There was just one problem…

I had completely neglected one of the most important things.  MY LESSON PLANS!!!

So many other things needed to be ready before that first lesson did. But waiting until the last minute, when my head was about to explode from overstimulation and extreme exhaustion, was not a good scenario.

Over the years I began to work smarter, not harder, and it turned planning into something I enjoyed instead of something I dreaded.

Here are my top 5 tips to help make lesson planning a breeze, especially when the craziness of back-to-school rolls around!

Tip #1: Get back to the basics

Remember in college when you created lesson plans for real? While they were great practice, they aren’t practical for teachers to use for every lesson. We can still create effective lessons without the lengthy format. We don’t need to fill out a page-long template to build a strong lesson plan.

Nevertheless, let’s not forget what makes up a great lesson plan and the importance of having a plan. I’m a true believer in what Benjamin Franklin once said, “If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail”.

lesson plan framework

All lesson plans need a clear beginning, middle, and end. The Lesson Plan Framework  includes questions and prompts to ensure your lesson plans include all major components.

Full disclosure–I was never a fan of lesson plan templates and am so thankful my administrators never required them. Instead, I used bullet points and jotted my ideas down in an organized list.

Tip #2: Keep a Running List of Resources

lesson plans

It’s easy to get into a routine of doing the same thing for a warm-up activity or using the same type of activity for your small group math center. 

While consistency has its benefits, it’s important to mix things up to keep your students excited and engaged during your lesson. 

Therefore, I recommend keeping a running list of ideas, resources, and activities to choose from.

For example, what websites are good for video clips? Which activities work well for warm-ups/bell ringers? What do students enjoy doing on choice boards? You can then pull from this list when creating lesson plans.

Tip #3: Take Pictures of Your Activities

If you were to glance at my lesson plans, you would see a lot of pictures. I took pictures of my math center every day and inserted them into my digital lesson plan copy. If you think you’ll remember what “multiplication matching activity” means the next year, trust me–you won’t. By placing pictures in my lesson plans, I never had to wonder what I meant the year before.

Tip #4: Collaborative Planning is a Must

My best years of lesson planning were done first in a group setting. It was extremely helpful to talk through the week and make sure everyone was on the same page. We were able to learn each other’s strengths and took on roles that built upon those strengths.

For example, one of us would type up the plans and add hyperlinks to any web-based activities, while the other would look through the previous year’s slides to help us remember what we did. The rest would search on TPT and/or look at our list of resources. This system helped us become efficient and build lesson plans in no time at all!

Tip #5: Don't Start From Scratch

build a lesson plan
Grab the Freebie!

Now, if the thought of putting together a list of activities and resources has you grasping for air, don’t worry! I am sharing my list of 60+ lesson plan ideas to help you get started! There is also room to add your own ideas, because two minds are better than one, right?

Click the button to grab this freebie and get ready to plan your lessons in minutes!

Until next time,

Happy Teaching!

P.S. Need ideas for structuring a 90-minute math block? Read this BLOG POST!

Filed Under: Back to School, blog posts, Lesson Plans Tagged With: 4th grade math, bell ringers, choice boards, collaborative planning, lesson hooks, lesson plan framework, lesson plans, math centers, purposeful practice, small group instruction, warm ups

4th Grade Test Prep: How to Prepare Students for Success

April 20, 2023 by Krejci Creations

State testing can bring a mix of emotions to both students and teachers. It’s normal to feel stressed, anxious, and worried about these high-stakes tests. On top of that, planning for test prep can bring its own set of challenges. You want to review ALL THE THINGS in a fun and meaningful way…but how? Let’s just say it takes some TEAM-work!

All-Inclusive Test Prep Kit

This 4th grade math test prep kit includes ready-to-teach lessons and activities to use the week before testing. 

It covers almost all 4th grade math standards with an emphasis on the more challenging skills that students need to review.

Whole Group Review Lessons

There are 4 interactive PowerPoint lessons to use for whole group instruction. These review lessons focus on heavily tested skills like multi-step word problems, line plots, and fractions. Students can use dry erase boards or math notebooks to follow along.

Take a look at the video previews below for a sample of each lesson!

Day 1 Skills:

1. Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers

2. Line Plots

3. Fractions and Decimals

Day 2 Skills:

1. 2D Figures

2. Measuring Angles

3. Units of Measure

Day 3 Skills:

1. Multi-step Word Problems

2. Place Value Relationships

3. Patterns

Day 4 Skills:

1. Factors and Multiples

2. Prime and Composite Numbers

3. Fraction Comparison and Equivalence

TEAM-Work Stations

test prep activity board

After each mini-lesson, students break into TEAM-work stations that include a combination of independent and partner activities. 

Their goal is to earn as many checkmarks as possible by completing the assigned tasks.

An editable spreadsheet is provided to help group students. The letters E, A, and M are moveable, so you can rotate the letters each day and easily move students to a new station.

What Do TEAM-Work Stations Look Like?

⭐Teacher Check Station:
Your job is to check in with students and help as needed. Your students will be working on challenging concepts, so they will need your help. Because of this, I do not recommend pulling small groups during this time.

test prep teacher check station

✎ When you witness students working hard and staying on task to complete assignments, check the box in their “Teacher Check” column.

 ✎ In addition, you can use this time to check their work for accuracy using the provided answer keys.

⭐Electronics Station: Self-Checking Boom Cards
This is an independent station. Students have 4 sets of Test Prep Boom Cards on the topics listed below.

Boom Cards for Test Prep

Boom Card Decks:
✎ Area and Perimeter

✎ Long Division

✎ Factors and Multiples

✎ Add and Subtract Fractions and Mixed Numbers

⭐At Your Seat Station: Printable Worksheets (all word problems)
This is another independent station. Students have 4 practice worksheets on the topics listed below.

at your seat test prep worksheets

Skills Include:
✎ Area and Perimeter

✎ 1 and 2-Digit Multiplication and 1-Digit Division

✎ Multiplicative Comparisons

✎ Interpret the Remainder

⭐Math with a Partner Station: Printable Worksheets 
This is a partner station. Students have 4 practice worksheets on the topics listed below.

partner math worksheets test prep

Skills Include:
✎ Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers

✎ Place Value Relationships

✎ Rounding Whole Numbers

✎ Multiply Fractions by Whole Numbers

Additional Test Prep Resources

free test prep posters
Grab the Free Posters Here!

Test-Taking Strategy Posters
Students can become overwhelmed if there are too many test-taking strategies to remember. Therefore, I have students focus on these 5 simple test-taking tips. These posters are included in the test prep kit…but click the button to grab them for free!

Tips For The Teacher

Tip #1: Set high expectations for your students, and make it clear that rushed and inaccurate work won’t earn them a check mark. I did not check the box if there were two or more errors on one activity. I instead circled the box and had students go back and correct their mistakes. Once the mistakes were fixed, they earned their check.

Tip #2: It’s important to set goals for students to work toward. For instance, if they complete 5 activities, they get a piece of candy. If they complete 10, they get a prize from the treasure chest. If they complete all 16, they get extra recess…whatever works for you! This will help motivate students to persevere when things get tough.

More teacher tips are included to help your TEAM-work stations run smoothly!

You Can Do This!

I used these math test prep lessons and activities with my 4th graders for many years and can tell you firsthand how well they work to prepare students! Grab this 4th Grade Math Test Prep Kit now and let the fun begin!

For more information on this test prep kit, check out Episode 32 of Elementary Math Chat and watch my Instagram Reel below to see this kit in action!

I wish you all the best as you head into state testing. No matter the results, you are a ROCK STAR teacher!

Until next time,

Happy Teaching!

P.S. If you’re interested in even more test prep Boom Cards, my TEST PREP BUNDLE covers all 13 units of 4th grade math. You can also read this BLOG POST for more info!
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Krejci Creations | 4th Grade Math (@krejci_creations)

Filed Under: blog posts, Digital Resources, Math Centers, Test Prep Tagged With: 4th grade math, 4th grade math centers, 4th grade test prep, boom cards, math centers, partner math, powerpoint lessons, state testing, test prep, worksheets

Classifying Quadrilaterals: Fun Ways to Learn About Our 4-Sided Friends

March 19, 2023 by Krejci Creations

If you thought Lesson 1 on classifying quadrilaterals was fun, you are in for a treat with Lesson 2! Your students will be engaged from start to finish as they learn about the hierarchy of quadrilaterals by attending a Quadrilateral Fashion Show!

Classifying Quadrilaterals Fashion Show - The Original Idea

When I first hosted a quadrilateral fashion show (circa 2005), I literally had students walk a runway (hallway) while holding a giant quadrilateral. Their group was in charge of researching a quadrilateral and presenting it to the class during a “fashion show”.

I sure do miss the days before technology took over. I have such fond memories from this lesson! However, it did take a few days for students to research and create their giant quadrilateral, and then present it to the class. Therefore, I have since moved towards a quicker, more teacher-led fashion show.

Classifying Quadrilaterals Fashion Show - The Modern Version

Since the original fashion show was such a hit, I didn’t want to toss it out completely. It just needed some updates to keep my new technology-driven students engaged. 

With this in mind, I took my original idea and gave it a modern twist, filled with interactive and engaging features, all with the help of my favorite models!

Click the play button to see this fashion show in action!

These adorable dot dudes “model” each quadrilateral and prompt students to analyze their attributes. On a recording sheet, students then draw their own model (quadrilateral), label the attributes (right angles, equal sides, parallel sides), and classify the quadrilateral in as many ways as possible.

classify quadrilaterals recording sheet

This classifying quadrilaterals recording sheet comes in three versions with room for 1, 4, or 6 quadrilaterals to a page. 

I prefer using the page with all 6 to allow students to compare and contrast each shape. However, you can place the full-page size in sheet protectors and have students use Expo markers. 

For a fun extension, turn this into a cute bulletin board by having students draw a real-life figure (person or animal) wearing their quadrilateral as a hat, dress, purse, etc. This will definitely bring out their creative side!

Lights, Camera, Action!

classifying quadrilaterals check list

Pair the recording sheet with the PowerPoint and you’ll be on your way to hosting your first-ever Quadrilateral Fashion Show. It will be a lesson you and your students will remember for the years to come!

So, where can you grab this lesson? I’m so glad  you asked!

classifying quadrilaterals fashion show
Click Here

This ready-to-teach lesson is also great for sub plans and includes:
✅ EDITABLE PowerPoint Presentation
(all text is editable)
✅ READ ONLY PowerPoint Presentation
(if no changes are needed)
✅ Printable Work Mat
(full size, 4 to a page, and 6 to a page)

Click the button to view this activity on TPT! 

Until next time,

Happy Teaching!

P.S. If you missed my previous post on classifying quadrilaterals, be sure to check that out!

Filed Under: Geometry, blog posts Tagged With: 4th grade math, 5th grade math, attributes of quadrilaterals, classify quadrilaterals, geometry, parallelogram, quadrilateral hierchy, rectangle, rhombus, square, trapezoid

1-Digit Multiplication Activities Your Students Will Adore!

October 7, 2022 by Krejci Creations

If you’re a 4th grade teacher, you know how much time and effort teaching 1-digit multiplication requires. The various strategies and difficulty levels consume almost an entire month of the curriculum.

Why not make it fun for YOU and YOUR STUDENTS?

One of my favorite small group activities that incorporates a little bit of fun involves milk, cookies, and multiplication…need I say more?

1-Digit Multiplication Match with Milk 'n' Cookies

I created this activity with three objectives in mind: differentiate to meet the needs of all students, keep students engaged and motivated, and help me assess their understanding.

What I didn’t expect was how MUCH my students would enjoy it!

1-digit multiplication matching game

To play this matching game, spread the milk and cookies around your teacher table. The cookies are labeled with 1-digit multiplication problems, and the milks are labeled with the answers. 

The goal is simple: Solve the 1-digit multiplication problem on the cookie and find the correct answer on a milk. I had my students make four matches, so they had to solve four multiplication problems.

How to Differentiate this 1-digit multiplication matching game

To differentiate this activity, combine several sets together. For example, when teaching 2-by-1-digit multiplication, include 3-digit questions to challenge your higher students. 

The same goes for when teaching 3-digit multiplication (include 4-digit problems). This will ensure that all students have a difficulty level that is just right for them.

A major perk is being able to use this resource for several days and with any strategy such as area model, partial product, and the standard algorithm. In fact, I used it for an entire week, and my students were engaged and motivated each time they sat down to find their milk and cookie matches. Not having to prep a new activity each day will save you much-needed time!

Take a look at this activity in action from my Instagram Reel! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Krejci Creations | 4th Grade Math (@krejci_creations)

If you want to motivate students even further, consider giving them an actual cookie when they finish! I only did this on the first day, and let me tell you…their eyes were on the prize as they worked through their 1-digit multiplication problems. Because of this small incentive, they will be excited and ready to work hard when they arrive at your teacher table. 

1-Digit Multiplication: Assess Student Understanding

Even before students attempt the multiplication problems, you can assess their confidence and understanding by the cards they choose. Those who choose the 2 x 1-digit multiplication problems are most likely feeling unsure about this skill, so you may need to step in and give them additional support.

On the other hand, students who go straight to the 4 x 1-digit multiplication problems are probably feeling pretty confident, so they might not need your support as much as the others. 

Now, while I do love watching students solve challenging problems from the start, it’s more meaningful for me to witness a student begin with the 2 x 1-digit problems and eventually make it to the 4 x 1-digit problems. Your teacher heart will nearly burst as you witness them overcome challenges and work their way up to more difficult problems!

1-digit multiplication milk and cookies matching activity

What makes this activity even more meaningful is the amount of error analysis required. Students who cannot find a match must look back and find their mistakes. They might find an answer that is close but not exact, so it forces them to analyze every part of their work. Getting students to check their work is a struggle, but this activity motivates them to do so!

So what are you waiting for? Make a trip to your local Dollar Store, pick up a box of chocolate chip cookies, and grab this 1-Digit Multiplication Milk and Cookies Matching Game!

2 by 1-digit multiplication matching game
3 x 1-digit multiplication matching game
4 x 1-digit multiplication matching game
1-digit multiplication matching game

In case you’re interested, I have lots of  2-digit multiplication tips too!

Until next time,
Happy Teaching!

-Annamarie

P.S. If you need additional ideas for small group activities, I share much more in Episode 13 of Elementary Math Chat! EP 13: 6 Small Group Activities for Every Math Teacher

Filed Under: 1-Digit Multiplication, blog posts, Math Centers Tagged With: 1 digit multiplication, 4th grade math, area model multiplication, differentiated activity, hands-on math, multiplication game, multiplication math center, partial product multiplication, standard algorith

3 Tips to Help Students Master Double-Digit Multiplication

July 19, 2022 by Krejci Creations

Fourth grade math is no joke! One minute you’re reviewing basic multiplication facts, and the next minute, BAM! You’re teaching students double-digit multiplication. Learning how to multiply multi-digit numbers is more like a marathon, not a sprint. I’m here to help you through the race, one step at a time!

The end goal is for students to use the standard algorithm to solve double-digit multiplication problems. However, it’s never a good idea to begin with this method. Students need to know the “reason before the rule”, or the “why before the how”. Therefore, begin with the following methods that teach students a conceptual understanding of double-digit multiplication.

Double-Digit Multiplication Method #1: Area Model

The area model is the first method I teach, and it’s my favorite for many reasons. First, it breaks up the numbers into expanded form. Students are less likely to make an error multiplying these simpler numbers.

area model task cards for double-digit multiplication
Area Model Multiplication Task Cards

Second, it conceptually teaches students what it means to multiply double-digit numbers. Third, it helps students organize their work, which is crucial to math mastery! 

Even though this method takes a little more work with drawing the model, most of my students prefer it once they’ve learned all three. Even my strugglers are successful with the area model method!

One way to challenge your higher students is to give them problems with missing information. In the task cards below, you’ll notice card #26 requires students to use clues from the problem to solve for the unknowns. This is a fun and simple way to make area model multiplication more interesting for those students who need a challenge!

double-digit multiplication task cards using area model

Double-Digit Multiplication Method #2: Partial Products

The partial product method is similar to the area model method, but students do not draw the area model. Instead, they set up the problem just like they would for the standard algorithm. This strategy is a bit more advanced, so expect students to struggle in the beginning.

double-digit multiplication using partial product work mats
Partial Product Multiplication Work Mats

Work mats are a must when first teaching partial products! These guided templates are ideal to use during your whole group lesson but can also be used in small groups and as an accommodation for students with IEP’s. You can read more about math work mats and how to use them in the classroom if they are a new concept for you!

The partial product method definitely requires more time and practice before students begin to show mastery. Therefore, it’s important to work with students in small groups on this skill.

double-digit multiplication task cards partial product method
Double-Digit Partial Product Task Cards

For my small group activity, I use these differentiated task cards. These task cards provide additional support for strugglers through place value charts, guided boxes, and simpler multiplication facts.

Therefore, if students are struggling, they work the lower-numbered cards with the guided boxes and place value charts. Students who feel more confident but still need help with alignment use the middle numbered cards that contain place value charts. Those who feel confident and don’t need assistance work the higher numbered cards with zero guidance and more challenging multiplication facts. I love seeing students move through the different levels and feel proud of their achievements!

Using a place value chart is SO helpful when first teaching partial products! Not only does it help students align their numbers, but it also reinforces how this method uses place value in creating partial products.

Double-Digit Multiplication Method #3: Standard Algorithm

Here’s the thing. The standard algorithm for 2-digit multiplication is not required in 4th grade, but I still teach it. However, I tell my students at the beginning of my lesson that this is a bonus strategy. If they love it, they can use it (and many of them will!) However, if they hate it, they can say “Buh-bye, see you next year!” and go back to the other methods previously learned. This takes the stress and worries out of the equation.

double-digit multiplication work mat for the standard algorithm
Standard Algorithm Work Mat

Similar to the partial product method, I teach students the standard algorithm using a work mat with a place value chart. It’s important they understand how regrouping plays into this strategy. In addition, the place value chart helps students with alignment and organization.

For example, students need to know why they put the zero in the second partial product, and the place value chart helps them see this. I cringe when I see someone put an x in that spot. NOOOOOOO I want to scream! Remember, students need to know the reason before the rule.

Double-Digit Multiplication Review: Choose a Method

double-digit multiplication methods anchor chart

Once I’ve taught all three methods, I incorporate a lesson called, “Choose a Method”. We complete this anchor chart which reviews each strategy and helps compare the methods. We discuss the pros and cons of each, and students decide which strategy is the best fit for them.

I hope you find these tips helpful as you begin your journey in teaching double-digit multiplication. For more resources, visit my TPT Store where you’ll find a large selection to help you get started!

Until next time,
Happy Teaching!

-Annamarie

P.S. If you’re a fan of podcasts, check out Episodes 10-12 of Elementary Math Chat for ideas on differentiating and scaffolding math centers. There was so much to cover that I had to break it down into 3 episodes!

Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3

differentiated math centers
Part 1
differentiating math centers
Part 2
differentiate
Part 3

Filed Under: 2-Digit Multiplication Strategies, blog posts, Teaching Strategies Tagged With: 2-digit multiplication, 4th grade math, area model method, math work mats, multiplication, multiplication strategies, partial product method, standard algorithm

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

BLOG STATS

  • 70,089 hits

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVES

© 2025 · Krejci Creations · Design by Albemarle PR · Clipart by Prettygrafik Design

 

Loading Comments...