In today’s episode, Noelle shares what the CRA (concrete, representational, and abstract) framework is and how to use it for students to grasp difficult math concepts.  If you are looking to dive deeper into research-based instructional math strategies, then this episode will give you the start you need. Check back next week for part 2 of this series.  For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.  Want to be ..read more

In today’s episode, Noelle shares strategies for facilitating and encouraging higher-level thinking from your students. This starts with the types of questions you are asking and how you are asking them. Plus, these two quick hits can be implemented today.  For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.  Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.  *Resources mentioned* All Access ..read more

In today’s episode, Noelle discusses what unpacking math standards looks like by walking through our process at Maneuvering the Middle. She answers the question, “Why is lesson planning necessary?” Plus, a free lesson planning template for you! For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.  Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.  *Resources mentioned* All Access Membership ..read more

Math manipulatives can seem like extra work, but they are really the best way to introduce students to new mathematical concepts. In today’s episode, Noelle shares her favorite math manipulatives to teach concrete understanding of abstract concepts with a hands-on approach! Plus, she shares how to stretch your dollar with some budget ideas. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.  Want to be notified of upcoming ..read more

Math Stations can solve many classroom challenges! They meet the needs of various learners, provide practice on spiraled concepts, and they put the responsibility of learning on the students. In today’s episode, Noelle discusses how to begin implementing stations by starting small and shares what best practices will keep your math stations on track. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.  Want to be notified of ..read more

Should teachers assign homework? Teachers, parents, and researchers have been asking and answering this question for years. In today’s episode, Noelle dives into the academic pros and cons and social-emotional pros and cons of assigning homework to your students. If you are a teacher struggling with homework, then this episode is for you. Plus, find out the 5 questions you must ask yourself before you assign another homework assignment. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join ou ..read more

October is just around the corner! While there are so many fun things that autumn brings, it can be a challenging month to be a teacher. In today’s episode, Noelle talks about why October is so difficult as a teacher and some tips to overcome these obstacles.  For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.  Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.  *Resources mentioned* All Acces ..read more

Preparing for a substitute used to be so easy! Ha - I am joking, of course. We had no idea how easy it used to be. Now with COVID, quarantining, and technology, it can be pretty complicated. In today’s episode, Noelle talks about ways to prepare for a substitute today that will make your future self say thank you.  For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.  Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe a ..read more

We encounter math on a daily basis, but it can be challenging for students to connect what they learn in class to the outside world. In today’s episode, Noelle shares 4 ways to make math relevant and how to answer the age-old question, “When are we ever going to use this?” For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.  Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.  *Resources mentioned* A ..read more

Teachers spend 8-10 hours a day at school, so we need to be prepared for anything and everything. We also want to keep students from having to make unnecessary trips to the office for things that we can easily store in our classroom. In today’s episode, Noelle talks about what items you MUST have in your classroom to survive (and none of them are school supplies.) For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.  Grab the listener freebie here.  For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.  Want to ..read more