7 Math Intervention Mistakes That Slow Student Growth (And What to Do Instead)

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Math intervention can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be frustrating when students aren't making the progress we expect. Over the years, I've learned that sometimes the biggest barriers to student growth aren't the students themselves—it's the instructional decisions we make.

Here are seven common math intervention mistakes I've seen and what to do instead.

1. Focusing on Procedures Before Understanding

Many struggling students can memorize steps without understanding why those steps work.

For example, a student may correctly solve a subtraction problem using a standard algorithm but have little understanding of place value.

Connecting Ten Frame Trays

Amazon Product Description

Try This Instead

Begin with concrete and visual models before moving to abstract procedures. Use manipulatives, drawings, and number talks to help students build conceptual understanding.

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2. Moving Too Quickly Through Skills

When intervention groups move at the same pace as the classroom curriculum, students often develop gaps that continue to grow.

Try This Instead

Allow students additional opportunities to practice and demonstrate mastery before introducing new concepts.

Remember: intervention is about filling gaps, not racing through standards.

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3. Talking More Than Students

Sometimes intervention becomes a series of teacher explanations while students passively listen.

Try This Instead

Ask students to explain:

• How they solved a problem
• Why a strategy worked
• What they noticed about a pattern

The more students talk mathematically, the deeper their understanding becomes.

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4. Using Too Few Visual Models

Many students need to see mathematics before they can understand it.

Try This Instead

Incorporate:

• Ten frames
• Number lines
• Counters
• Linking cubes
• Base-ten blocks

Magnetic Ten Frame Set

Amazon Product Description

Visual models help bridge the gap between concrete experiences and abstract thinking.

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5. Skipping Number Sense Practice

Students who struggle with basic number relationships often find higher-level mathematics overwhelming.

Try This Instead

Spend a few minutes during every session practicing:

• Subitizing
• Number combinations
• Mental math
• Fact fluency strategies

These foundational skills support everything that comes later.

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6. Using the Same Strategy for Every Student

No two intervention groups are exactly alike.

Try This Instead

Use assessment data to identify specific needs and adjust instruction accordingly.

A student struggling with fact fluency needs a different intervention than a student struggling with place value.

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7. Ignoring Student Confidence

Many intervention students have experienced repeated frustration in mathematics.

Try This Instead

Celebrate growth frequently.

Highlight:

• Effort
• Strategy use
• Perseverance
• Small wins

Building confidence often leads to increased engagement and improved outcomes. Stickers are an inexpensive way to honor student's hard work and effort.

Motivational Stickers

Amazon Product Description

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Final Thoughts

Effective math intervention is not about doing more. It's about doing the right things consistently.

By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on conceptual understanding, meaningful practice, and student confidence, you can create intervention experiences that lead to lasting growth.

What math intervention strategy has made the biggest difference for your students? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

10 Number Sense Activities for Small Groups

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you.

Number sense is the foundation of mathematical success. Students who develop strong number sense are better able to solve problems, recognize patterns, and apply efficient strategies when working with numbers.

As a math interventionist, I've found that small group instruction provides the perfect opportunity to strengthen number sense skills through hands-on activities and meaningful mathematical discussions.

Here are 10 number sense activities that I regularly use during intervention groups.

1. Quick Dot Images

Show students a dot image for 2–3 seconds and ask them how many dots they saw.

Encourage students to explain how they knew the quantity rather than simply counting each dot.

This activity helps students:

• Subitize quantities
• Recognize number patterns
• Build mental math skills

Classroom Tip: Ask students, "What did you see?" instead of "How many did you see?" to encourage deeper mathematical thinking.

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2. Ten Frame Flash

Display a ten frame briefly and have students identify the quantity shown.

Ask students:

• How many dots did you see?
• How many more would make ten?
• How did you know?

Ten frames help students develop benchmark numbers and understand relationships within ten.

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3. Build It, Draw It, Write It

Give students a number and ask them to:

1. Build it with manipulatives
2. Draw a representation
3. Write the numeral

For example, students might represent 12 using linking cubes, draw 12 dots, and write the numeral 12.

This reinforces connections between concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations.

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4. Number Talks

Present a simple computation problem and ask students to solve it mentally.

Examples:

• 8 + 7
• 15 - 9
• 19 + 4

Encourage multiple strategies and discuss how different students solved the problem.

Number talks help students develop flexibility and confidence with numbers.

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5. More, Less, and Between

Write a number on a whiteboard and ask students:

• What is one more?
• What is one less?
• Which numbers come before and after?

As students improve, increase the challenge by asking for ten more or ten less.

This activity strengthens understanding of number relationships and place value.

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6. Make Ten Challenge

Provide students with counters or linking cubes.

Give a number such as 7 and ask:

"How many more do you need to make ten?"

Students physically build the quantity and determine the missing amount.

This activity develops one of the most important mental math strategies for addition and subtraction.

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7. Number Bond Practice

Use number bonds to help students see part-part-whole relationships.

Examples:

• 8 = 5 + 3
• 10 = 6 + 4
• 12 = 7 + 5

Magnetic Number Bonds Set

Amazon Product Description

Ask students to find multiple combinations that create the same whole number.

Understanding number bonds helps students develop fluency and flexibility.

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8. Compare and Explain

Present two numbers and ask students to compare them.

Example:

Which is greater: 27 or 32?

Students must explain their reasoning using mathematical language.

This activity supports place value understanding and mathematical communication.

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9. Roll, Build, and Compare

Students roll dice to generate numbers.

After building the numbers with manipulatives, they compare:

• Greater than
• Less than
• Equal to

Students enjoy the game format while practicing important number concepts.

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10. Target Number Challenge

Give students a target number such as 20.

Ask them to find as many combinations as possible that equal the target number.

Examples:

• 10 + 10
• 15 + 5
• 12 + 8
• 18 + 2

This activity encourages flexible thinking and reinforces number relationships.

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My Go-To Tools for Number Sense

One of the tools I use most often during intervention groups is a magnetic ten frame. It allows students to visualize quantities, make ten, compare numbers, and develop efficient counting strategies.

Magnetic Ten Frame Set

Amazon Product Description

Some of my other favorites include:

• Dry erase markers and whiteboards
• Two-color counters
• Linking cubes

These tools help students visualize mathematical concepts and actively participate during small group instruction.

If you're interested in seeing the supplies I use most often during intervention groups, check out my post on 5 Supplies Every Math Intervention Teacher Needs.

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Final Thoughts

Developing strong number sense doesn't require complicated lessons or expensive materials. Consistent opportunities to explore numbers, discuss strategies, and engage in hands-on learning can make a significant difference for struggling learners.

These ten activities have become staples in my intervention groups because they encourage mathematical thinking while keeping students engaged.

Whether you're working with individual students, small groups, or an entire class, strengthening number sense is one of the best investments you can make in long-term mathematical success.

What are your favorite number sense activities? Share them in the comments below.

5 Supplies Every Math Intervention Teacher Needs

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you.

When working with students who need additional support in math, having the right tools can make a significant difference. I just completed my third year as a math interventionist.  Over those three years I've found that a handful of supplies consistently help students build number sense, stay engaged, and better understand mathematical concepts.

If I could only choose five supplies for math intervention, I would start with dry erase markers, magnetic ten frames, two-color counters, dry erase erasers, and linking cubes. These tools support number sense, problem solving, and student engagement across multiple grade levels.

1. EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Markers

One of the most effective ways to increase student participation is to give every student a way to show their thinking. Dry erase markers allow students to solve problems, demonstrate strategies, and make corrections without worrying about mistakes becoming permanent.

I use whiteboards regularly for:

• Number sense activities
• Fact fluency practice
• Solving word problems
• Guided math instruction
• Quick formative assessments

These markers write clearly, erase easily, and last longer than many budget alternatives.

Recommended Product: EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Markers

Amazon Product Description

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2. Magnetic Ten Frames

Ten frames are one of the most powerful tools for helping students develop number sense. They provide a visual representation of numbers and help students understand concepts such as composing and decomposing numbers, making ten, and comparing quantities.

The magnetic version is especially useful because it allows me to demonstrate concepts on a whiteboard while students follow along.

I frequently use magnetic ten frames for:

• Counting and cardinality
• Addition and subtraction strategies
• Making ten
• Number comparisons
• Building fluency within 20

Recommended Product: Magnetic Ten Frame Set

Amazon Product Description

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3. Two-Color Foam Counters

Manipulatives are essential when students are developing conceptual understanding. Two-color counters are versatile, inexpensive, and easy for students to use.

I often use them for:

• Addition and subtraction
• Number bonds
• Part-part-whole relationships
• Probability activities
• Integer concepts with older students

Because the counters have different colors on each side, they help students visualize multiple ways to make the same number.

Recommended Product: Two-Color Foam Counters

Amazon Product Description

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4. Dry Erase Erasers

This may seem like a simple supply, but quality erasers save valuable instructional time. Students can quickly clear their work and move on to the next problem without leaving behind distracting marker residue.

I keep several erasers available during intervention groups because we use whiteboards throughout most lessons.

Benefits include:

• Faster transitions between activities
• Cleaner whiteboards
• Reduced frustration for students
• More efficient practice opportunities

Recommended Product: Dry Erase Erasers

Amazon Product Description

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5. Linking Cubes

Linking cubes are among the most versatile math manipulatives available. They help students move from concrete experiences to abstract understanding.

I use linking cubes for:

• Counting and one-to-one correspondence
• Addition and subtraction
• Comparing numbers
• Place value
• Measurement
• Multiplication arrays
• Fractions

Students enjoy the hands-on nature of linking cubes, and they provide endless opportunities for mathematical exploration.

Recommended Product: Linking Cubes

Amazon Product Description

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Final Thoughts

While there are many math supplies available, these five tools consistently support meaningful learning and student engagement during intervention groups. They help students build number sense, develop confidence, and strengthen their understanding of key mathematical concepts.

If you're building your math intervention toolkit, these are the supplies I would recommend starting with.

5 Simple Things Teachers Can Do Now to Feel Ready for the School Year (Without Losing the Rest of Summer)

As mid-July hits, the Fourth of July holiday is in the rearview window, teachers find themselves in that strange summer limbo. Some are already shopping for back-to-school supplies, while others are still fully in beach mode (and rightfully so!). If you're somewhere in the middle—itching to feel a little more prepared without diving headfirst into full-on school mode—this post is for you.

Here are five low-pressure ways to get your mindset and systems ready while still soaking up the last few weeks of summer:

1. Reflect on What Worked (and What Didn't)

Grab a notebook, open your notes app, or just take a quiet walk and think back on last year:

• What routines made your life easier?

• What was more stressful than it needed to be?

• Is there something you promised yourself you'd do differently next year?

2. Declutter One Digital Space

Instead of trying to reorganize your whole Google Drive, just pick one folder:

• Maybe it's your "End of Year" files or your math center printables.

• Clean out duplicates or rename files that have names like "Final_FINAL_V2_Copy2.pdf."

Bonus: Create a "To Print Later" folder for resources you’ll need in August!

3. Revisit Your Teacher ‘Why’

Mid-summer is the perfect time to reconnect with the heart of teaching. Grab a quote, reread a thank-you note from a student, or even scroll through a few classroom photos that make you smile.

Taking a moment to recharge your why can help you return with purpose—not just a checklist.

4. Prep a “First Day Feel-Good Folder”

Start a folder (digital or real) with things that will help make the first week smoother:

• A favorite read-aloud

• An easy, meaningful community-building activity

• A backup plan for “when everything goes wrong” days

You’re not planning your first week—you’re simply collecting things you already know work.

5. Make Space for Something Fun

Before summer slips away, make a list of 3 things you still want to do just for you.

• A day trip?

• A book that has nothing to do with teaching?

• One lazy afternoon without guilt?

Burnout prevention starts in July—not October. ☀️

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Final Thoughts

Getting ready for the new school year doesn’t have to mean planning every lesson or shopping for supplies in July. Sometimes, it's more powerful to reflect, organize just a little, and remind yourself of the joy that brought you to the classroom in the first place.

You've got this. Now go enjoy that sunshine—August will be here soon enough. 

Building SEL Skills with Motivational Coloring Pages

 Social-emotional learning (SEL) is at the heart of every successful classroom. Helping students believe in themselves, bounce back from challenges, and treat others with kindness is just as important as mastering math facts or reading fluency.

That’s why I created this set of 25 SEL Motivational Coloring Pages—a fun and purposeful way to build a positive classroom culture while giving students space to express themselves creatively.

Why Motivational Coloring Pages Work

These aren’t your average coloring sheets! Each page features a kid-friendly positive affirmation or growth mindset phrase to help students internalize important SEL messages like:

• “I Can Do Hard Things”

• “Mistakes Help Me Grow”

• “My Voice Matters”

• “Kindness is Cool”

Students color while reflecting on these ideas, often leading to powerful classroom conversations and lasting mindset shifts.

Classroom Uses for SEL Coloring Pages

Whether you teach kindergarten or upper elementary, these pages are flexible and ready to use all year long. Here are a few ways I’ve used them in my classroom:

1. Morning Work with Meaning

Instead of another worksheet, welcome students with a motivational coloring page. It sets a positive tone for the day and gives them time to settle in.

2. Early Finisher Choice

Give students the chance to color an affirmation when they complete other tasks—it’s a quiet, calming reward that still reinforces SEL skills.

3. Cool-Down Tool

Keep a few copies in your calm-down corner. Students who need a moment can use these pages to reset their thinking in a positive way.

4. Bulletin Board or Hallway Display

Have students color and then share what the message means to them. Display their work under a title like “Words That Lift Us Up.”

5. At-Home SEL Practice

Send a few pages home as part of a monthly family SEL challenge. Students can color with parents and talk about the messages at home.

What Teachers Are Saying

• “My students LOVED these! One of my 3rd graders told me it helped her remember to keep trying on a tough math problem.”
• “I use these in our SEL Friday rotations. They’re quiet, meaningful, and the kids look forward to them!”

Where to Find the Coloring Pages

You can grab the full set of 25 SEL Motivational Coloring Pages in my TeachersPayTeachers store right here or check out the TikTok Video below.

@mrleeslearners Empower your students with these 25 Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and motivational coloring pages! Store link in my profile. #SEL #socialemotionallearning #empower ♬ Pretty (Sped Up) - MEYY

Building Number Sense with Double Ten Frame Cards

If you're working with students who are still developing strong number sense, especially with numbers 0 through 20, double ten frame cards are an essential tool to add to your math instruction toolkit. Whether you teach kindergarten or early elementary students, these cards can help children make sense of quantities, subitize, and build a firm foundation in math fluency.

This set of Double Ten Frame Cards to help students visualize numbers in different ways and increase their flexibility with composing and decomposing numbers. There are a total of 168 cards included in this resource with 8 cards of each number.  These cards are easy to prep, simple to use, and incredibly versatile!

Why Use Double Ten Frames?

Double ten frames help students:

• Understand numbers beyond 10 in a visual format

• See how numbers are composed (5 + 7 = 12) and decomposed (12 = 10 + 2)

• Develop fluency with addition and subtraction facts

• Build confidence in working with teen numbers

Classroom & At-Home Ideas

Here are some simple ways you can use these double ten frame cards in your classroom or at home:

1. Independent Math Centers
Set up a matching game where students match numeral cards with double ten frame representations. This can be self-checking or used with a partner.

2. Small Group Intervention
Use the cards in a guided group to model combinations of 10 and 20. This is especially helpful for students who need visual reinforcement.

3. Exit Tickets or Quick Checks
Display a double ten frame card and ask students to write the corresponding number and a number sentence.

4. Take-Home Practice
Send a set of cards home with simple instructions for parents. This is an easy way to encourage extra practice in a familiar format.

Printed and laminated double ten frame cards laid out on a desk.

Where to Find the Cards

You can find the full set of Double Ten Frame Cards (168 cards total) in my TeachersPayTeachers store.

These are perfect for guided math, RTI groups, early finishers, and center rotations. I hope you and your students find them as helpful as I have!

I’d love to hear how you use ten frames in your classroom! Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @mrleeslearners.

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Celebrate Summer with The Night Before Summer Vacation Reader’s Theater!

 As the school year winds down and summer break approaches, keeping students engaged becomes more challenging—and more important! That’s why I love using seasonal, high-interest stories to wrap up the year with both fun and purpose.

One of my favorite ways to end the school year is with a Reader’s Theater Companion for The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing. It’s low prep, fun for students, and packed with learning value!

What’s Included in This End-of-Year Reader’s Theater Resource?

This engaging packet is a companion to the much-loved book The Night Before Summer Vacation, a rhyming tale that captures the excitement (and chaos!) of preparing for a big summer trip.

Here’s what’s included:

• Reader’s Theater Scripts for 2 and 3 students – Perfect for partners or small groups.

• A Summer-Themed Word Search to reinforce vocabulary in a fun, independent activity.

• Answer Key for easy grading or self-checking.

• 5 Summer-Themed Coloring Pages – Great for early finishers or quiet time.

Why Teachers Love It

This resource is a great way to:
 - Keep students practicing reading fluency during the last days of school
 - Promote cooperation and collaboration through partner or group performance
 - Add some seasonal fun without sacrificing learning goals
 - Keep your classroom calm and structured during a time that’s often chaotic

Plus, the included coloring pages and word search are excellent for transition times, early finishers, or even sub plans when things get extra busy!

How I Use This in My Classroom

I typically introduce the book as a read-aloud, then assign scripts based on group size. My students get excited to act out the scenes, use expression in their voices, and even add little props or movements. It's a fun, low-stakes way to build fluency and comprehension while celebrating the season.

After the performance, students can work independently on the word search or color one of the summer-themed pages as a relaxing wrap-up.

Ready to Bring This to Your Classroom?

You can grab this end-of-year reader’s theater resource right now and start using it tomorrow!

🎉 Click here to grab The Night Before Summer Vacation – Reader’s Theater Script on TpT!

Your students will love it—and so will you!

Scaffolding Reading Comprehension Through Guided Questioning

Reading comprehension is at the heart of literacy instruction, yet it’s often one of the most challenging skills for young learners to master. As a math interventionist who also supports reading instruction, I’ve found that guided questioning is one of the most powerful tools for helping students move beyond surface-level reading and begin thinking deeply about texts.

In this post, I’ll share practical strategies for using guided questioning to scaffold comprehension and spark meaningful reading discussions—even with struggling readers.

What Is Guided Questioning?

Guided questioning is a teaching strategy where the teacher poses specific, intentional questions before, during, and after reading to help students engage with the text. These questions guide students toward a deeper understanding by encouraging them to:

• Make predictions
• Visualize events
• Infer meaning
• Analyze character motives
• Summarize key ideas
• Reflect on themes or personal connections

Why It Works

Many students—especially those who are below grade level—don’t automatically ask themselves questions while they read. By modeling this internal dialogue through guided questioning, we help build their metacognitive skills. Over time, students internalize the questioning process and begin to monitor their own comprehension independently.

"The process of scaffolding comprehension through guided questioning can be broken into three phases—before, during, and after reading. Here’s a quick visual to show how it all connects:"

Three Simple Steps to Get Started

1. Use a Questioning Framework

"Here’s a sample anchor chart I use with students to  

introduce and reinforce these question types:"

I like to use a mix of literal, inferential, and evaluative questions to support different levels of thinking:

• Literal: “What did the character do after school?”
• Inferential: “Why do you think the character made that choice?”
• Evaluative: “Do you agree with how the story ended? Why or why not?”

2. Model and Think Aloud

When introducing a new text, model your thinking out loud:

“Hmm... I wonder why the author repeated that word. Could it be important?”
“I’m confused by this part. Let me go back and reread.”

By verbalizing your thought process, you normalize the act of questioning and show students that even strong readers reread, predict, and question as they go.

3. Encourage Partner or Small Group Discussion

After modeling, give students time to try it out. Whether in a small group or with a reading partner, provide a few guiding questions on a whiteboard or task cards. You’ll be amazed at how much more confident and focused their discussions become when they’re given structure and purpose.

Bonus Tip: Pair Questions with Graphic Organizers

If your learners need extra support, consider pairing guided questions with graphic organizers such as:

• Character maps
• Cause and effect charts
• Story sequence charts
• Question/answer flipbooks

These visual supports can help students organize their thinking and make abstract ideas more concrete.

Final Thoughts

Guided questioning is a simple yet powerful strategy that builds comprehension from the ground up. With intentional modeling and consistent practice, your students will begin to approach reading with curiosity and confidence.

Have a favorite question stem or strategy you love using in your classroom? I’d love to hear it in the comments!

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Want more posts like this or resources that support reading? Be sure to follow along and check out my TeachersPayTeachers store for tools that align with the strategies I share here.

From Timed Tests to Strategy-Based Fluency: A Positive Shift in Math Instruction

For many of us, the words “timed test” still bring a rush of anxiety. Rows of facts, ticking clocks, and pressure to perform fast—this was the traditional approach to mastering math facts. As a teacher, I’ve seen how this method can cause unnecessary stress, especially for students who are still developing number sense. That’s why I’ve embraced a shift in my classroom: moving away from timed tests and toward strategy-based fluency.

What Is Strategy-Based Fluency?

Rather than memorizing isolated facts, students learn and apply strategies that help them understand how numbers work together. These strategies include:

• Counting on (e.g., for 3 + 2, start at 3 and count up two)
• Making ten (e.g., turning 8 + 5 into 10 + 3)
• Using doubles (e.g., knowing 6 + 6 helps with 6 + 7)
• Decomposing numbers (e.g., breaking apart 9 + 6 into 9 + 1 + 5)

These are not just tricks—they're foundational ways to build number sense. When students understand these patterns and relationships, math facts become easier to recall and apply.

Why Move Away from Timed Tests?

Timed tests often favor speed over understanding. While some students thrive under pressure, many don’t. I’ve seen capable, thoughtful learners freeze up when the timer starts. Worse, students can start to believe they’re “bad at math” simply because they don’t process quickly.

Fluency should mean more than speed—it should reflect accuracy, flexibility, and efficiency. By focusing on strategy, we’re giving students the tools to think through problems instead of rushing to remember.

What This Looks Like in the Classroom

In my small group math intervention setting, we focus on:

• Math talks where students share different ways to solve the same problem
• Games that encourage repeated practice in a fun, low-pressure setting
• Visual models (like ten frames and number bonds) to represent strategies
• Celebrating strategy use instead of just correct answers

It’s a beautiful thing to hear a student say, “I used doubles plus one!” instead of “I just knew it.” That shift shows deeper thinking and sets the foundation for more complex math later on.

The Outcome: Confident, Capable Mathematicians

Since making this change, I’ve seen less math anxiety and more enthusiasm. Students who once dreaded fluency practice now approach it with curiosity and confidence. They know they don’t have to be the fastest—they just need to be thoughtful.

As educators, we want our students to be fluent, but we also want them to love math, feel safe taking risks, and see themselves as capable problem-solvers. Moving from timed tests to strategy-based fluency is a key step in that direction.

Let’s continue to build classrooms where math makes sense—and where every learner feels they belong.

Celebrate Mother's Day with a Fun Reader’s Theater Activity!

Mother's Day is such a special time to celebrate the amazing women in our students' lives — and what better way to mark the occasion than with a Mother’s Day Reader’s Theater performance?

Inspired by The Night Before Mother’s Day by Natasha Wing, this Reader’s Theater Companion Packet is a fun and engaging way to build reading fluency, teamwork, and confidence — all while getting students excited for Mother's Day! 🌸

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What’s Included?

This packet is packed with everything you need for a smooth and memorable experience:

• 2 Versions of Reader’s Theater Scripts
  (Shorter and longer versions depending on your students' needs)

• Comprehension Worksheets
  Help students think deeper about the story

• Mother's Day Letter Template
  Students can write a heartfelt note after the performance

• Vocabulary and Word Search Activities
  Extend learning with themed literacy practice

Everything is designed to be low-prep and easy to use, so you can focus on helping students enjoy their time on stage!

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Why You’ll Love It

✨ Builds Confidence and Reading Fluency
Reader’s Theater is a fantastic way for students to practice expression, pacing, and voice projection in a supportive environment.

✨ Engages All Learners
From your shy students to your budding performers, everyone has a role to play!

✨ Flexible for Your Classroom Needs
Choose the shorter script for a quick activity or the longer version for a more detailed performance.

✨ Meaningful Mother's Day Memories
Not only are students practicing valuable skills — they’re creating a gift of performance that their families will love hearing about.

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How to Use This Packet

• Small Groups: Practice and perform in reading groups

• Whole Class: Assign different parts and perform together

• Mother's Day Event: Perform for other classes or parents if possible!

• Literacy Centers: Break down the activities into smaller literacy station tasks

You can even display students' Mother's Day letters on a bulletin board for a festive classroom touch! 🌷

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Get Your Copy Today!

Make this Mother's Day one to remember with this fun, engaging, and educational Reader’s Theater packet.
It’s available now in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

👉 Click here to grab your Mother's Day Reader's Theater Companion Packet!

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Want a quick preview?
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s included:

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Happy Mother's Day and happy teaching! 🌸🎭
#MothersDayActivities #ReadersTheater #TpTResources #ElementaryReading #MothersDayInTheClassroom

🧮 Building Number Sense with Domino and Dot Pattern Cards

Understanding numbers—what they represent, how they relate, and how they can be composed or decomposed—is the foundation of early math success. That’s why I love using Domino and Dot Pattern Cards with my students. These simple, versatile tools pack a powerful punch when it comes to developing number sense, subitizing, and early addition skills.

In this post, I’ll share how I use these cards in small group instruction and independent practice, plus how you can grab a set for your classroom!

🔍 What Are Domino and Dot Pattern Cards?

These are printable cards that feature traditional domino patterns on one side and dot arrangements (like dice or ten-frame formats) on the other. They’re designed to help students:

• Recognize quantities without counting (subitizing)
• Compare and compose numbers
• Build fluency with addition and number bonds
• Strengthen visual number sense

🛠️ How I Use Them in the Classroom

These cards are incredibly flexible. Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:

1. Quick Subitizing Warm-Ups

Start math group with a quick flash of a dot card. Ask:

• “How many dots do you see?”
• “How did you know that so quickly?”
• “Can you make that number a different way?”

2. Matching and Memory Games

Use a mix of domino and dot cards to have students:

• Match equal values across different visual formats
• Play a memory game where they find matching sums
• Sort by odd/even or “more than/less than”

3. Build-a-Number Tasks

Give students a target number and have them:

• Find all domino cards that add up to that number
• Create number sentences using the dots (“3 + 4 = 7”)
• Explain how they found it using math talk

💡 Why These Cards Make a Difference

Many students who struggle with math lack a strong mental image of numbers. Dot patterns help them build this internal number model. The repetitive exposure to structured visuals increases fluency and reduces over-reliance on counting.

These cards are especially helpful for students who are below grade level or need hands-on, visual reinforcement.

📥 Grab the Set for Your Classroom

Want to try these in your small groups or math centers?

👉 Download the full set of Domino and Dot Pattern Cards here on TpT!

You’ll receive:

• 60+ printable domino and dot cards
• Ideas for 6+ hands-on activities
• Blackline versions for easy printing
• Bonus student recording sheets

🧑‍🏫 Teacher Tip

Laminate your cards for durability and let students use dry-erase markers to write number sentences directly on the table or a wipe-off mat as they work with the cards!

🗨️ Let’s Build Number Confidence Together

Do you use visual patterns to teach number sense? What’s your go-to small group number routine? Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @MrLeesLearners with how your students are using the cards!

"How to Catch a Snowman" by Adam Wallace - Reader's Theater, Comprehension Questions & Word Search Companion Resource

Winter will be arriving very soon in Northern Minnesota... Winter's arrival bring with it a world blanketed in snow, and the air filled with the joyous anticipation of building snowmen for many children.  What if catching a snowman became a thrilling adventure?  Adam Wallace's book, "How to Catch a Snowman," weaves a fantastic tale that sparks the imagination of both children and adults!  This charming story takes readers on an imaginative journey filled with humor, creativity, and a quest to capture the elusive snowman.  

Reader's theater is a fantastic way to help bring the story to life in your classroom! How to Catch a Snowman - Reader's Theater Companion with Comprehension Questions & Word Search on TeachersPayTeachers enhances the reading experience by providing interactive learning.  

The reader's theater component allows children to dive deeper into the narrative, fostering comprehension and engagement.  Additionally, comprehension questions and word searches offer educators valuate tools to reinforce learning objectives while keeping the excitement alive. Check out the video below to see a preview of the included items.

Unfamiliar with the book "How to Catch a Snowman" by Adam Wallace?

The story centers around a group of resourceful children determined to catch a snowman.  As they plan and plot, their creativity shines through various clever traps and tactics.  But much like the frosty creatures they're pursing, snowmen have a knack of slipping away, leaving the children to rethink their strategies.

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Embracing the spirit of adventure and innovation portrayed in the book can turn a simple winter day into an unforgettable escapade filled with laughter, learning, and perhaps, the joy of catching your very own snowman.  Happy snowman-catching!

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