Making Number Sense Make Sense: A Math Podcast for Early Elementary Teachers

In today’s episode, we’re diving into simple, hands-on ways to help your child practice writing numbers — without the boredom or frustration! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these playful activities will keep young learners engaged while building fine motor skills and number sense. First up, we talk about Water Painting, the perfect activity for hot summer days. Grab a paintbrush and a cup of water, and let your child “paint” numbers on the sidewalk or wall. It’s fun, mess-free, and dries away on its own! Next, we explore Sand Writing [https://amzn.to/4lEV3dk], a tactile favorite that helps kids form numbers while engaging their senses. It’s a great way to build memory and fine motor skills — plus, kids love the feel of sand between their fingers. For a neater option, try Gel Writing. With just a plastic bag, dollar store gel, and a little food coloring, you can create a squishy, mess-free writing surface. It’s sensory-friendly and so much fun — just remember to double-bag to avoid spills! And if you’re looking for a grab-and-go option, check out the Number Writing Workbook [https://amzn.to/44dz4US], designed for Kindergarten and rising First Grade students. Inside you’ll find simple tracing pages with visual guides, fun number mazes, and activities that combine tracing, coloring, and number recognition. Tune in to hear how small changes in materials can turn ordinary number practice into an exciting, multisensory experience your child will love! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvGmIUFEkpUWrdZtsXoF0q_Vkt56zfEre_cHNuoAC1d7EPog/viewform]! Blog Post [https://www.makingnumbersensemakesense.com/post/4-easy-at-home-ideas-to-help-your-child-with-number-writing] Number Writing Workbook [https://amzn.to/44dz4US] Sand [https://amzn.to/4lEV3dk] Free Games and Practice Pages [https://numbersense.myflodesk.com/workbook] Let's Connect! Instagram [https://bit.ly/3oIEIZI] Website [https://bit.ly/3cRPOsH] YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@makingnubmersensemakesense]

In this episode, we explore how simple materials—like beads—can transform your math centers. Beads aren’t just colorful and fun; they’re powerful tools for counting collections, building fine motor skills, and creating patterns. We’ll dive into hands-on activities like Spin and Thread, DIY number racks, and engaging rekenrek games that help students strengthen their number sense and counting strategies. Whether you’re looking for easy prep ideas or creative ways to switch up your manipulatives, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use tomorrow. Tune in and bring new life to your math lessons! Helpful Links: Spin and Slide [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Rack-Rekenrek-Counting-to-20-Number-Sense-Math-Center-Spin-and-Slide-8623863?utm_source=Bead%20Pod&utm_campaign=Spin%20and%20slide] Spin and Thread [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fine-Motor-Counting-to-5-10-and-20-Number-Identification-Writing-Subitizing-12968040?utm_source=Bead%20Pod&utm_campaign=Spin%20Thread] Pick Build Cover [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Counting-Number-Writing-to-20-Number-Rack-Rekenrek-Differentiated-Center-8045035?utm_source=Bead%20Pod&utm_campaign=PBC] Rekenrek Mini Bundle [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Rack-Rekenrek-Counting-to-20-Differentiated-Math-Activity-Centers-8975319?utm_source=Bead%20Pod&utm_campaign=Spin%20PBC%20bundle] Blog Post Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvGmIUFEkpUWrdZtsXoF0q_Vkt56zfEre_cHNuoAC1d7EPog/viewform]! Let's Connect! Instagram [https://bit.ly/3oIEIZI] Website [https://bit.ly/3cRPOsH] YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@makingnubmersensemakesense]

In this quick episode, we are diving into 3 unconventional ways to increase engagement in math class! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvGmIUFEkpUWrdZtsXoF0q_Vkt56zfEre_cHNuoAC1d7EPog/viewform]! Helpful Links Spin and Thread Graphing Project Addition and Subtraction Lessons Let's Connect! Instagram [https://bit.ly/3oIEIZI] Website [https://bit.ly/3cRPOsH] YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@makingnubmersensemakesense]

Today's episode comes from a listener email about getting buy-in from other teachers to give BTC a try! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvGmIUFEkpUWrdZtsXoF0q_Vkt56zfEre_cHNuoAC1d7EPog/viewform]! Helpful Links K Task Bundle [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Building-Thinking-Classrooms-Tasks-Bundle-for-Every-Strand-11978142?utm_source=Buy%2520In%2520MNSMS%2520Podcast&utm_campaign=K%2520BTC%2520Bundle] 1st Grade Task Bundle [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Building-Thinking-Classrooms-Task-Bundle-for-ALL-Strands-11958952?utm_source=Buy%2520In%2520MNSMS%2520Podcast&utm_campaign=1%2520BTC%2520Bundle] 2nd Grade Task Bundle [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2nd-Grade-Building-Thinking-Classrooms-Task-Bundle-For-All-Strands-11936073?utm_source=Buy%2520In%2520MNSMS%2520Podcast&utm_campaign=2%2520BTC%2520Bundle] Let's Connect! Email me! lara@makingnumbersensemakesense.com Instagram [https://bit.ly/3oIEIZI] Website [https://bit.ly/3cRPOsH] YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@makingnubmersensemakesense]

Transforming your classroom into a Building Thinking Classroom is an exciting journey—but when it comes to consolidating learning and reflecting on problem-solving tasks, it can feel tricky with younger students. Between stamina struggles, time constraints, and building those metacognitive skills, what’s a teacher to do? In this episode, we’re tackling those challenges with fun and effective strategies to wrap up your thinking tasks: 🌶️ Check Your Understanding Questions Use “mild,” “medium,” and “spicy” extension questions to give students a choice and push their thinking a little further. 🎲 Games for Consolidation Turn reflection time into play with quick, themed games that tie into your tasks and can double as math centers later! 📝 Meaningful Notes Help students record their learning in creative ways—like fill-in-the-blanks, circling items, or drawing—so they can revisit important strategies and takeaways later. 💡 The 4-Quadrant Method Break down strategies and reflections into bite-sized pieces for young learners to understand and remember. Whether it’s through playful games, choice-driven questions, or creative note-taking, these approaches will keep your students engaged and make math reflection meaningful and manageable. Links & Resources: 👉 Blog Post 👉 Grab Kindergarten [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Building-Thinking-Classrooms-Tasks-Bundle-for-Every-Strand-11978142?utm_source=Consolidation%2520Pod&utm_campaign=K%2520BTC%2520Bundle], 1st Grade [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Building-Thinking-Classrooms-Task-Growing-Bundle-for-ALL-Strands-11958952?utm_source=Consolidation%2520Pod&utm_campaign=1st%2520BTC%2520Bundle], or 2nd Grade [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2nd-Grade-Building-Thinking-Classrooms-Task-Bundle-For-All-Strands-11936073?utm_source=Consolidation%2520Pod&utm_campaign=2nd%2520BTC%2520Bundle] Thinking Task Bundles here! Let's Connect! Instagram [https://bit.ly/3oIEIZI] Website [https://bit.ly/3cRPOsH] YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@makingnubmersensemakesense] Let’s make consolidation time just as exciting as problem-solving! 🎉