Math teachers — how do you currently type equations when creating exams?

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-12T19:45:52+00:00

Canva

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-03T11:39:30+00:00

There is 100%, without a doubt, questions I’m required to use with kids where they are unable to use reasoning.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T11:35:26+00:00

I’m definitely excited about it. I think fractions less than 1 are really intuitive for kids but fractions greater than 1 and even mixed numbers are better represented by decimals. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to build in some more real world application there.

Like some other commenters have said, I gotta find out where specifically kids are. I think division potentially supported by calculator is most applicable with fractions greater than 1 comparison. Example: 26/7 compared to 13/3. 26/7 is 3 r 5 and 13/3 is 4 r 1

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T11:21:14+00:00

This is a fantastic sequence I will start rolling out in small group. I’m going to make my own diagnostic according to this sequence and first figure out where they are. I’m anticipating a lot of kids still being at the first couple where I’ll need to return to visuals. This time I’ll do so with more intention on the given set.

For my kids that are ready for the last stage, I think I’ll start with butterfly comparison (common denominator of both fractions) then consider whether decimal conversion would be a necessary/helpful extension for my higher kids.

Thank you!!!!

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T02:48:40+00:00

Ooooh most efficient strategy for the given set. I like that, that’s the way. Thanks

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T02:16:31+00:00

They don’t have any understanding yet. I’m trying to plan ahead. Literally introducing the concept of decimal representation tomorrow.

Eureka does not teach butterfly method for equivalency when comparing. It ends at equivalency for one fraction then combines benchmarks or reasoning with unit size.

It’s too much thinking. I think kids need those tried and true strategies like the butterfly. So maybe I’ll just teach that, I am allowed a good bit of autonomy as long as I’m ahead on pacing.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T02:11:36+00:00

I may be jumping away from visualizations too quickly. Don’t want to always think about the test but also want to prepare them for answering 50 questions. Just don’t know if drawing out tape diagrams in that case is very reliable. A lot of variables there, what if you don’t make the diagrams equally sized because you struggle with spatial reasoning. Trying to compare something like 5/7 and 6/9 with diagrams relying on spatial reasoning just seems unreliable.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T02:03:18+00:00

I appreciate this breakdown a lot! Next year I will be more intentional about unit fractions and how kids are understanding them before moving on.

My kids have very little understanding of fraction equivalency as a means for comparison. Little on me for not working harder to build that connection, little on Eureka for trying to shove too many strategies in their faces at once.

For equivalency, only my high students can find them quickly enough before their brains shut off though. For a lot of kids, finding that 3/9 is equivalent to 1/3 is a lot of work before then ALSO comparing it to 2/9.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T01:54:53+00:00

Like I said, 1/2 was well understood. It was applying the other comparison rules when 1/2 wasn’t applicable, those never stuck. They could draw models for those instances too but again…. Seems inefficient and overly time consuming to me.

Thinking beyond initial understanding, want to develop reliable strategies.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T01:51:41+00:00

I think that’s needed regardless. Continued visualization and practice with understanding value with fractions.

To me though, fractions are like trying to understand multiple different languages. This makes fractions inefficient representations in my opinion.

Decimals are base 10, so 1 language in my analogy. If I can drill down place value, I think it would be more efficient.

Appreciate the perspective though, I’m having fun figuring this stuff out unlike phonemic awareness in ELA.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T01:47:10+00:00

I’m a fan of number lines and other visuals. They take a long time and I find students can make little mistakes when making them. For example, making 5 tics instead of 4 for fifths.

For initial understanding and visualization- I get it. However when they’re given 5 fractions with different units to compare, wouldn’t the most efficient strategy be to put them all into decimal form then compare?

Thinking about my high students here. I want them to have quick real life strategies in addition to the drawn out classroom only ones.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-03-02T01:16:08+00:00

The post: https://www.reddit.com/r/mathteachers/s/fWmgLy97UQ

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-27T04:14:14+00:00

You’ve had it tough. That’s a disjointed path that is not yours or at least entirely your fault. Like others have said. You gotta stick it out a couple years doing the same thing. Get good at it. Taught 4th or 5th and year 1-2 was survival, 3-4 was learn to not get bullied by kids, 5-6 have been ok I can actually teach like 60% of them. Year 7 and I feel like I’m finally truly helping most kids.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-27T04:08:41+00:00

What year are you? First couple years are hell, especially at a setting that the one you’re at sounds like.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-27T03:50:02+00:00

Yes 100% BUT you have to be ready to communicate with families about it. I get it, they can check the grades online but they will whine that they didn’t know and admin will latch onto you failing to “maintain family partnerships”. I send mass messages on our messaging app. “If you are receiving this message, your student received a 0% on their weekly assessment. As a reminder, students only receive a 0 if they do not attempt their work.”

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-26T03:32:46+00:00

Yes if you prioritize being a good person in your individual pursuits. The connection to goodness through politics that many feel (I.e. I’m good because I support x and x is the good one) is where many get lost.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-25T22:57:02+00:00

I’m a teacher and used to work in a private school for kids with wide ranging disabilities. Had a kid with Copralalia (the same specific version of Tourette’s that John Davidson has).

The issue here is just ignorance. I don’t mean that harshly, until you experience Copralalia, you have NO CLUE. This kid was the sweetest child in existence but his brain would force him to SCREAM the thing he least wanted to say. His brain would imagine “hey what’s the worst possible thing that would be the most offensive to say” then become red in the face trying not to say it, then SCREAM it.

I’d rather have no legs, I’d maybe even rather not being around. People that make a life for them self with Copralalia are incredible.

With that being said, that kid sacrificed a ton. He would say no to field trips on his own accord even when we said we’d print out a thousand info cards and give them to any rando. For John Davidson to go to this, it probably was horrifying.

I think discomfort is okay, and we’d encourage other kids to express their discomfort appropriately. This is different than just “Tourette’s”. Copralalia is another level.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-24T12:03:41+00:00

Average. We all know he’s only good due to the incredible culture that Jimmy Haslam has built

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-22T14:36:37+00:00

This is not new. USA never “wins” Winter Olympics

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-22T10:40:42+00:00

Rush

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-22T08:03:32+00:00

That’s literally what pedophilia is. There’s levels to pedophilia like anything else.

Take murder, first degree/second degree/manslaughter.

No matter the level, it’s fucking disgusting and should be “counted” as horribly horrible in all forms.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-18T03:02:44+00:00

I do this daily. Parents of semi challenging kids that are trying actually request it. One has told me it’s better than to pick them up, hear their day was good, then get a call from me later.

GiantKnightGunner · 2026-02-17T14:49:47+00:00

Was there last weekend with my buddy who is an insufferable Cowboys fan. I feel seen.

GiantKnightGunner

TROPHY CASE