Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This site provides excellent practice with different Math strands. Topics include numbers (place value, number lines, estimation), algebra, addition/subtraction, problem solving, and more. After choosing a topic, various choices are offered. Key vocabulary is presented along with a short video explanation of the topic. In addition to the video, there is an option to test your own ability. Each topic can also be printed to use in the classroom and there is a link to related "jams" Be sure to check out the "Jams" sure to excite your students to learn new skills in a musical manner.

tag(s): problem solving (234)

This site provides the opportunity to explore Venn Diagrams through the use of shapes. Different ways to create the diagrams are provided by choosing one or two circles and choices of circle placement. With the "Guess the Rule" option, players try to find the rule based on shapes that are allowed into the design. The learner area provides a background on Venn diagrams and how they might be used in everyday living. The instructor area provides printable exploration questions, links to standards, classroom preparation tips, and links to similar resources.

tag(s): logic (161), problem solving (234)

This site offers practice in estimating skills through different visual comparisons. Problems are available in counting, length and area. Two comparisons are shown and then selection will be made based on the question posed with the problem. Hints are available and there are two different levels of difficulty available. Tabs are also included with information for the learner, activity help, and information for instructors. Be sure to check out the information for instructors which include suggestions on how to use in the classroom, an activity sheet, links to standards, and other similar resources.

tag(s): estimation (33), problem solving (234), test prep (69)

This activity works well for explorations with clock (modular) arithmetic. The clock can be adjusted from 2 to 24 hours, then the number of elapsed hours can be entered to determine the current time. Be sure to check out the instructor tab which provides a link to a student worksheet, indicates alignment to some state standards, suggested classroom uses, and offers similar resources.

tag(s): time (91)

Check out this highly interactive site that offers a wealth of math activities, printables, and more for elementary students of all ages. Students will enjoy the many different Math games such as Fact Worms (basic facts), A Lucky Place (place value), and Jelly Golf (fractions). Main topics include: Counting & Cardinality, Number & Operations, Operations & Algebraic Thinking, Measurement & Data, and Geometry. Interactives may be used without registering on the site; however, registration allows scores to be compiled and posted against other players. Be sure to check out the interactives such as Venn Diagrams as well as printables, teacher's guides, articles and seasonal resources. Activities have also been matched up to North Carolina Mathematics Standards.

tag(s): fractions (160), money (114), numbers (121), preK (286), puzzles (149)

Word Games has compiled many of the web's best word games into one resource. Games are categorized in several different ways such as typing, word search, puzzles, and others. In addition, the newest and most popular games are identified for easy access. Facebook users can "like" the site and receive daily games to play. This site provides varied activities to help increase word skills at many different levels. Navigate carefully as this site has many advertisements! But the great interactives make it worth the hassle.

tag(s): logic (161), puzzles (149), sudoku (10)

This site provides practice with linear functions through the use of a function machine. Options include use of addition or multiplication and use of integers from 0 to 10. The learner section provides a great background on linear functions and how they are used with higher level mathematics such as calculus. There is a detailed help area that provides instructions on how to use the function machine. Be sure to check out the instructor area that includes standards addressed, classroom ideas, links to similar resources and a printable exploration questions that can be used in the classroom.

tag(s): functions (52), logic (161), patterns (61)

This activity allows the user to estimate quantities and sizes including the number of objects in a set, the lengths of a curve, and the area of a shape. Many options are available for exploration - the size of the curve can be changed, problem type can be changed and there are 2 levels of difficulties. The learner section explains the activity as well as discusses how estimation is used in everyday life. In addition to a description of the activity, the instruction section provides possible issues to address in the classroom, links to standards, and links to other similar resources.

tag(s): estimation (33), measurement (123)

This site provides many resources for math teachers of all grades and includes lesson plans, articles, classroom and administrator questions and answers, and helpful links - all located under the "helpful tool" tab at the top of the site. Click to find elementary resources, algebra, calculus, and other "basic math." Free webinars are also available within the site. Math Solutions was founded by Marilyn Burns, who is known as one of the foremost experts in elementary math instruction. Although much of the website is devoted to materials and Professional Development for sale, there are many resources available for free that are extremely helpful for classroom teachers. One such resource is the classroom lessons portion. Lessons are in ready to print PDF format making them easy to review and use for planning. Sample classroom conversations are often included along with samples of student work and suggestions for use in the classroom. This site also sells many resource materials, so links to these materials are included for alternative resources within the lesson. No need to buy, however! Teachers can sign up to receive the free monthly newsletter containing information about new materials on the Math Solutions site.

tag(s): problem solving (234)

Guide penguins across the ice with this logic and estimation game. Reach the target level and move on to a higher level. Teachers can create a free account and register students to save high scores, although it isn't necessary to play the game.

tag(s): estimation (33), logic (161), problem solving (234)

Math is Fun when you visit this website that is loaded with games, activities and much more! Math activities are divided into topics such as Algebra, Data, Games, Dictionaries, Worksheets, and more. After choosing a topic there are several choices for appropriate activities within the category. The teachers page has links to many virtual manipulatives, puzzles, speed math and other classroom activities. All activities contain an explanation and solution to the puzzle. Although this site may appear as another "drill and kill" site, is also has a lot of extra features and activities included. If you are a math teacher, this is definitely a site worth taking a look at.

tag(s): logic (161), measurement (123), problem solving (234)

Lego Education Activities are designed to be rich, fun-filled, creative learning experiences. They offer educators a means to use LEGO sets as essential tools that engage students while challenging their creativity and enhancing their knowledge and comprehension. As a thinking teacher, you only need to look on the Teachersfirst Editor's Blog here to realize what a hot topic teaching creativity is and how it fits into the classroom. From role-playing and meeting the needs of early childhood development to theme-based sets for older students, LEGO Activities offer a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching. There are also specific sets designed to cover specific subject areas, including technology curriculum. As you browse the activities, you will find obvious connections to curriculum in simple machines and other science topics, as well. Stay current and find a lot more stimulating ideas by checking out the LEGO Education and LEGO Smart Blogs available from theLego Education Activities page.

tag(s): creativity (87), critical thinking (136), logic (161), problem solving (234)

Sodoku is a popular game for all ages, this interactive site allows the you to play online. Choose from different ability levels from easy to hard and pick the tiles to use from numbers, symbols, or letters. Other options include a timer, sound, and placement of tiles. The bright, interactive format is easy to use and will keep all users engaged.

tag(s): logic (161), problem solving (234), puzzles (149)

Brain Den offers a variety of brainteasers to test logic skills. Brainteasers, games, and puzzles range from geometry to algebra to paradoxes to optical illusions. Although most of this site isn't highly interactive, it does offer a wide variety of brainteasers for nearly all ages. This is a great site for gifted students. *Advise students to ignore the advertisements.

tag(s): brain (56), logic (161), optical illusions (10), puzzles (149)

Squigly's Playhouse provides elementary aged children with interactive games, crafts, coloring pages, and much more. n addition, students can submit their writing to be posted in the Writing Corner. Check out the Seasons and Holidays sections for fun supplementary activities. This site was created in the UK, so American English speakers may notice some differences in spelling. This site does include some unobtrusive advertisements.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): crafts (74), holidays (194), seasons (37), writing (325)

Shape Sudoku will engage even the youngest of Sudoku players by using shapes rather than the traditional numbers. This option is helpful for students who may not be completely comfortable with number recognition but enjoy playing games of logic. Shape Sudoku is a great training tool for beginners entering the world of Sudoku. Students must be familiar with basic shapes such as circle, square, rectangle, triangle, diamond, oval, octagon, and pentagon. Baffled players can be given hints as needed. Be aware: this site does include some advertisements. Shrink your window to cut off the right side and avoid the distraction!

tag(s): puzzles (149), sudoku (10)

Brain Games is a site that allows you to train your brain in fun and easy ways. In as little as 10 minutes a day you can train your brain to improve memory and attention. What a great life skill tool to share with students! Some examples of activities include attention games to help with focus, memory games to help with recall, problem solving games to help with logical reasoning, flexibility games to help with verbal fluency, and numerous others.

tag(s): brain (56), psychology (65)

Looking for a new way to celebrate the 100th day of school in your class? Check out this site for some fresh ideas. You will find math and language arts activities, interactives, printables, and much more. Topics range from money to literature to place value. There are countless ways to count up to 100 at this site.

tag(s): 100thday (9), counting (61), literature (221), money (114), numbers (121), place value (34)

Create puzzles and other word games using this resource. Puzzle types include Word Search, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bagels (Interactive Logic Game,) and Math worksheets among others. There are also quotes, illusions, and more. Creating a log in is not required. Puzzles created remain for two months and can be saved as a pdf file on your computer. Many puzzles are already permanently archived and can be found by looking through the categories. Don't miss many holiday and calendar-event puzzles! Search puzzles of the day to find new and interesting puzzles to use.

tag(s): holidays (194), logic (161), puzzles (149), vocabulary (242)

This site, created in the United Kingdom, offers some engaging FREE math resources. Click on the FREE RESOURCES CLICK HERE button on the top of the page. Use these free activities for counting, calculating, bar charts, number lines, multiples, money, and more. Choose from activities such as "Matching Pairs" and "Missing Digits" Beneath each activity are primary framework objectives.

tag(s): money (114), multiples (15), multiplication (121), numbers (121), sequences (12)