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Scaffolding

  • Graphing a Quadratic Function in Vertex Form – Scaffolded Handout

    Graphing a Quadratic Function in Vertex Form – Scaffolded Handout

    Here is a scaffolded handout. The first problem has additional scaffolding to convert from addition to subtraction and vise versa. The first problem does not require the transformation of the operations but the second one does.

  • Completing the Square – Scaffolded Handout

    Completing the Square – Scaffolded Handout

    Here is a link to a scaffolded handout with all the steps, including the step to convert the lead coefficient to 1. The scaffolding is complex because the math topic is complex. There is an example showing how to use the document.

  • 1 Step Word Problems Addition and Subtraction – Scaffolded

    1 Step Word Problems Addition and Subtraction – Scaffolded

    The Jamboard incorporates scaffolded handouts. The compare problems has two separate scaffolded sections. The first is to unpack the concepts of difference and compare, followed by writing a math sentence.

  • Change Word Problems – Scaffolded

    Change Word Problems – Scaffolded

    The Jamboard incorporates scaffolded handouts. The compare problems has two separate scaffolded sections. The first is to unpack the concepts of difference and compare, followed by writing a math sentence. Here is an introductory Jamboard to help students visualize and conceptualize change situations. Here is a video you can show to help students see movement…

  • Graphing System of Inequalities – Scaffolded Handout

    Graphing System of Inequalities – Scaffolded Handout

    Here is a document that guides students through graphing one, then the other inequality. On the second page both are graphed on the same coordinate plane.

  • Combining Like Terms – From Concrete to Symbolic Form

    Combining Like Terms – From Concrete to Symbolic Form

    Here is a Jamboard (see photo at very bottom for how to make a copy to edit) that presents like terms as visual manipulatives and then eases into the symbolic form – the “mathy” stuff. The following shows each slide as is and how it looks after completion. Start with two groups of common items,…

  • Multiplying by 6, 8, 9

    Multiplying by 6, 8, 9

    If you find this helpful, maybe consider making a small donation to help build an accessible playscape for children with disabilities. I have found success with students using a double skip method for 6s and 8s. The 6s use every other 3 and the 8s, every other 4. Below is how I scaffold the process…

  • Hack for Multiplication (and division) Facts

    Hack for Multiplication (and division) Facts

    A common method to learn multiplication facts is through skip counting. In turn, this is a means of learning division facts (see next paragraph). The challenge for many students is they struggle to learn the skip count routines or cannot engage brute force memorization effectively (e.g., have a working memory deficit). The challenge with multiplication…

  • IXL.com – Excellent Tool for Differentiation

    IXL.com – Excellent Tool for Differentiation

    IXL.com is a site that provides online practice for math (and other topics). It has a hidden feature that allows for very effective differentiation. This can be highly useful in a general ed math class and in settings for special education services. This includes special ed settings with students working on a wide ranges of…

  • Handouts for Multiplication and Unit Rate Word Problems

    Handouts for Multiplication and Unit Rate Word Problems

    Here are excerpts from two handouts I use to help students understand how to write multiplication and rate word problems as math expressions. The image, below at top, shows a problem from the first handout I present. The students draw a single group represented by the rate expression (for elementary school word problems the term…