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Moore Math Messages

Elementary Math April 2026

Moore MathMessages Elementary Math April 2026

Instructional Strategy of the Month Instructional Strategy of the Month

Everyone is a Math Person

This strategy deals with students’ metacognition rather than being attached to any specific math standard. It stems from how many students see people divided into two camps: “math people,” who seem to get and enjoy doing math, and “non-math people,” for whom math doesn’t seem to click. Most troublingly, plenty of students then do not see themselves as “math people.”

This fundamental myth can have far-reaching consequences, and it is important for teachers to be mindful of the language they use when discussing math and when talking with students who express doubt in their abilities. A challenge is that many educators may not think of themselves as "math people,” and so it is likewise important for them to consider their own mindsets about math, too. Early in their math educations, students who don’t see themselves as “math people” show less effort and are quicker to give up. The problem compounds over years, and then later in their educations, they feel hopelessly behind and don’t think they’re even capable of learning grade-level math.


Teachers can help by nipping this myth in the bud whenever possible. Encourage students to see themselves as “math people” even through struggles and help them build perseverance with the subject. Always be on the lookout for examples of creative solutions and effortful attempts that reveal how all students are capable of understanding mathematical ideas and solving difficult problems.

How to be a math person: Step 1 Do math. Step 2 Be a person
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IXL IXL

Asphalt background with yellow painted line reading Setting Limits. Picture of child's shoes at the painted line.
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Using IXL for OSTP Prep

We’ve been receiving several questions about the district guidelines for using IXL, so I wanted to share a few friendly reminders as you plan instruction for your students:

  • In upper elementary, total screen time should stay around one hour per day. Research shows that going beyond this can actually reduce the effectiveness of practice.
  • IXL can be used for 1–2 grades per week.
  • A Smart Score of 80 is the maximum that can be required.
  • Please connect with your teammates—IXL use can add up across classrooms, so it’s important to consider the total time students are spending on it.
  • When possible, try to frame IXL as a game or friendly competition rather than something tied to testing.
  • Consider mixing in other practice options, both non-tech and different types of tech, such as whiteboards, Wayground, Kahoot, Plickers, scavenger hunts, games, and hands-on activities.

As always, our goal is to help students see learning as something meaningful and valuable—not just something tied to a test. Using a variety of tools keeps students engaged and prevents burnout. IXL is a great resource, but it’s just one of many tools we can use to support student learning.

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Focus Zone - Limit Lessons Students Can Access

Ever look at IXL data and see that your fifth graders spent 30 precious minutes on PK/K skills? We have all been there! IXL has created a way to combat this - The Focus Zone! This allows teachers to set a time period in which students can only access certain grade level material.


Teaching 4th grade? You can give access to only 3rd, 4th, and 5th skills! It is a lifesaver to keep all students on the right track and no Blocksi needed.


Engagement Tools -> Focus Zone -> Set your students, subjects, grade levels, and end time.

Focus Zone Video
Man with hands on face looking frustrated. Please remember to show your work. Show. Your. Work. Then students don't show their work.
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STAR STAR

Last STAR Window for 25-26

The last STAR window for 25-26 begins on May 4th and closes May 19th. I know it is hard to get the students to take this seriously right after state testing, but please encourage your students to try their best. Please also send a parent report home after the final star. When speaking with parents, please highlight the Percentile Rank, not the Grade Equivalency. The Grade Equivalency can be inflated and can give parents an incorrect idea about their child's academic level.

PD in your PJS PD in your PJS

Teacher and 3 students sitting at table with math manipulatives.
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The Power of Consistency in Math Instruction: Leaning Into Routines for Impactful Teaching

Access to the Recording


Great teaching is more than just delivering content. It’s about creating structures and routines that help both teachers and students thrive. Predictable, consistent practices reduce the cognitive load on teachers, empower students to engage deeply in math, and ensure every learner has access to rigorous content.

In this edWebinar, we explore how thoughtfully designed routines can transform math classrooms into places where all students succeed. Together, we unpack practices that make teaching more manageable, including:

  • Consistent structures that help teachers focus on math rather than logistics
  • Strategic models (like number lines, tape diagrams, and fluency routines) that support coherence across grade levels
  • Math Language Routines and Problem-Solving Routines that strengthen student discourse, build academic language, and develop reasoning skills
  • Embedded supports for multilingual learners and diverse learning needs


Educators walk away with a deeper understanding of how consistency and predictability in math routines empower teachers to teach with confidence and students to learn with greater independence. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to elementary and middle school teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.

Four elementary students sitting at a table playing a board game.
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When Math Begins With Play, Everything Changes

Access to the Recording


This edWebinar explores how incorporating play into math instruction can improve understanding, engagement, and confidence for all learners. Grounded in research and classroom experience, the session highlights how playful learning activates the brain’s problem-solving centers, encourages persistence, and supports the development of critical-thinking skills.

Viewers examine the role of curiosity and exploration in mathematical learning and learn how to move beyond traditional drills and worksheets. The session includes practical strategies for creating classroom environments that promote active engagement, discussion, and creative problem solving. Examples demonstrate how to use games, manipulatives, and open-ended tasks to deepen conceptual understanding.

Educators leave with a clearer understanding of how to balance academic rigor with joyful learning experiences. The edWebinar also addresses how to shift classroom culture to focus on process, collaboration, and reasoning rather than speed or accuracy.

By integrating play into math instruction, teachers can help students view mathematics as a subject to explore rather than fear. When learning begins with play, both students and teachers experience meaningful growth and renewed enthusiasm for math. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to PreK-12 teachers, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.

Several elementary students sitting at tables using colored squares for a math lesson.
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Effective Math Strategies for Multilingual Learner Success: Every Learner, Every Lesson

Access to the Recording


Every classroom is enriched by students who bring diverse languages and cultural perspectives. For multilingual learners, these assets can be powerful tools for learning mathematics. Yet too often, multilingualism is seen as a challenge rather than a strength. This edWebinar shifts that perspective by exploring how teachers can leverage the “superpower” of multilingualism to foster deeper mathematical thinking and more equitable participation.

In this engaging session, we bridge research and practice. We explore how to:

  • Understand the sociocultural factors that shape how multilingual learners experience math
  • Recognize multilingualism as an asset that raises student status in the classroom
  • Apply high-leverage linguistic supports that empower students to participate confidently in mathematical discourse
  • Build on students’ prior knowledge and home languages to strengthen their mathematical understanding
  • Create inclusive classroom communities where all learners’ voices are valued and heard


Educators leave with ready-to-use strategies and practical tools to support multilingual learners while elevating math learning for all students. Together, we reimagine what’s possible when we see language diversity not as a barrier, but as a resource for deeper learning. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to elementary and middle school teachers and school leaders.

Professional Development Professional Development

Alert with the symbol of a red ringing bell on white background.
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Mathematics Achievement and Proficiency Act (MAPA)

The Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act was signed into law in June 2025. This legislation establishes a requirement for all students in grades 2–5 to participate in universal math screenings at the beginning, middle, and end of each school year, starting in the 2026–2027 school year. If screening indicates that students are struggling with any specific math skills, then that student will need to receive interventions and an intervention plan. Students who are working at advanced levels in mathematics will need to receive instruction to meet their needs.


We will be hosting some informational meetings to help you prepare for these changes coming next year. Please try to attend one of the options available if you teach 2nd - 5th grade general or special education.


Zoom LINK


  • April 28th 4:15 - 4:45 (Tuesday)
  • April 30th 4:15 - 4:45 (Thursday)
  • May 6th 4:15 - 4:45 (Wednesday)
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Central Oklahoma Math Teachers' Circle

The Central Oklahoma Math Teachers' Circle welcomes math enthusiasts from across all grades to join us for dinner and some fun problem-solving activities on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond, OK.


We are excited to welcome back Kimberly Adams from the University of Tulsa.


The meeting will be held on the UCO campus in the Education Building Room 101 from 6 - 8 p.m. Hideaway Pizza will be served for dinner from 6 - 6:30 p.m. and then the fun begins!

Please let us know if you will be attending both the meal and event or just the event by registering below. Note that signing up for a meal is your commitment to attend as having an accurate count will allow us to use our funds as wisely as possible.


Register via the link below by Monday, April 20, at 11:59 pm.

Central Oklahoma MTC Meeting Registration

K-12 STEM Teacher Conference (Math Sessions Offered!)

Breakout sessions cover topics relevant to teaching K-12 Math, Science, and STEM. A variety of strands have been added this year including classroom strategies, early elementary, and secondary engagement ideas.


  • June 12, 2026;
  • 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fee $60 ; Early bird registration is $40 (by April 30)
  • 6 hours of PD Credit (includes lunch)


Tentative Schedule
8:00 Check-in/Light Breakfast
8:40 Opening Remarks
9:00-10:00 Breakout Session #1
10:10-11:10 Breakout Session #2
11:20-12:20 Breakout Session #3
12:20-1:20 Lunch
1:30-2:30 Breakout Session #4
2:40-3:40 Breakout Session #5
3:50-4:00 Closing/Raffle


If you are interested in attending and need registration paid, please contact me so we can find a way for you to attend. I need to register all attendees by April 30th. I can take 5 teachers to this event.

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Fraction images: triangle divided in half green & white; 4 hexagons 3 white and 1 blue; circle in four sections 1 pink 3 white.
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Fractions Across Grades 4-6: A Learning Trajectory

June 19, 2026; 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Fee $55; 6 hours of PD Credit (includes lunch)


Location: Willard Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
Audience: 4th-6th Grade Teachers
Facilitator: Bridget Broome

Fractions are a central focus of the mathematics curriculum in Grades 4–6 and serve as a critical bridge from whole number thinking to proportional reasoning and algebra. In this professional development session, participants will explore how fraction understanding develops across these grade levels and how concepts progress from equivalence and operations to ratios, division, and rational numbers.

Through hands-on tasks, visual models, and rich mathematical discussions, teachers will examine common student misconceptions and learn strategies to strengthen conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency. Emphasis will be placed on number lines, area models, and real-world problem contexts that deepen reasoning and sense-making.


If you need to pay with a school purchase order, please email Nina Weaver - nina.weaver@okstate.edu


Participants will leave with instructional routines and practical tools to support students in building a coherent and connected understanding of fractions across Grades 4–6.


Register

Patterns using red and blue triangles, blue octogon and green ovals, yellow stars and pink hearts, gray arrows pointing up and down all on black background
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From Patterns to Equations: Developing Algebraic Reasoning in Grades 1-4

June 18, 2026; 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee $55; 6 hours of PD Credit (includes lunch)

Location: Willard Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
Audience: 1st-4th Grade Teachers
Facilitator:

Algebraic reasoning begins long before students encounter formal equations. In this professional development session, participants will explore how algebraic thinking develops across Grades 1–4 through patterns, properties of operations, relational thinking, and early work with unknowns.

Teachers will examine how young learners move from recognizing and extending patterns to representing relationships and generalizing mathematical ideas. Through engaging, hands-on tasks and rich discussion, participants will experience instructional strategies that promote reasoning, justification, and mathematical discourse in the elementary classroom.

Participants will leave with classroom-ready activities, purposeful questioning strategies, and practical tools to support students in building a strong foundation for future success in algebra.


If you need to pay with a school purchase order, please email Nina Weaver - nina.weaver@okstate.edu

Register

Mathematical Modeling image. circle with 3 arrows leading outward.
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Making Math Real: Bringing Mathematical Models to the Middle Grades

June 11, 2026

Fee $55; 6 hours of PD Credit (includes lunch)

Location: Willard Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
Facilitator: Maria Stewart

In this session, participants will engage in middle grades focused mathematical modeling tasks designed to make mathematics feel real and purposeful for students. Through hands-on exploration, teachers will examine what defines a strong modeling task, what student engagement in modeling looks like, and how instructional moves can support and extend students’ thinking. We will unpack the nature of mathematical models and how they develop as students make sense of real-world contexts. Participants will leave with ready-to-use modeling tasks, practical classroom strategies, and renewed excitement for bringing meaningful mathematical modeling into their middle school classrooms.

If you need to pay with a school purchase order, please email Nina Weaver - nina.weaver@okstate.edu


Register

OERB Homeroom logo. White background with images of computer, atom, beaker, and microscope
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OERB

Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce our 2026 summer workshop schedule. We look forward to providing opportunities for teachers across the state to connect, learn, and grow. We hope to see you there!

Summer Workshops:
Registration opens May 1st
June 18: Jenks High School (Jenks)
July 16: Dove Science Academy MS OKC (OKC)


2026-2027 Fall/Spring Workshops:
Check out HomeRoom on August 1 for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 workshop dates!


As a reminder, we have updated our OERB Energy Education Workshop registration process. All teachers registering for a workshop will need to have an OERB HomeRoom account. If you don't have one yet, please click the button below and sign up now to reduce any delay in registration. Spots can fill up quick and we don't want you to miss out!

If you have any questions, please let us know by emailing teachers@oerb.com.

OSDE OSDE

Oklahoma Department of Education Logo. White background with multicolored star
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OSTP Item Review

The Office of Assessments is seeking certified, experienced educators in grades 3–8 and 11 to participate in the OSTP Item Review Workshop. This virtual workshop will be held June 8–12, with specific dates determined by grade level and/or content area. Participants will provide input on field-test items for use on the spring 2027 state assessments.


Committees will review grades 3–8 English language arts and mathematics, grades 5, 8, and 11 science, and grade 11 U.S. history. Additional accessibility committees will focus on elementary and secondary special education, as well as English learners. A limited number of educators will be selected, and those not under a summer contract will receive a daily stipend.

To apply, please complete the Google Form.


Applications are due April 30, 2026.

Educators chosen to participate in this summer's workshop will be contacted in early May.

More information: assessments@sde.ok.gov | 405-521-3341

Fact Fluency Fact Fluency

Fact Fluency vs. Automaticity

There is lots of research about the difference between automaticity and fluency. Automaticity is basically memorization combined with understanding why the answer is what it is. Fluency is a combination of four pieces: accuracy, efficiency, appropriate strategy use, and flexibility. Here is a gauge you can use for report card assessments:


  1. If a student can respond with the correct answer within 1 -2 seconds, that is automaticity.

  2. If a student can respond with the correct answer within 4 seconds without the use of manipulatives (including counting on fingers) , that is fluency.

  3. In addition to the correct answer, to demonstrate fluency, the student should be able to explain how he/she arrived at the answer and how they know it's correct. However, you don't necessarily need to do this with EVERY problem. This can be done during observation or small group time on a few problems. "How do you know that 19 - 16 is 3?" This can also be observed during centers/stations, morning math meeting, or during the lesson.

Games! Games! Games!

Here are some fun ways to increase fact fluency with just little prep! These can also be used as a way to get students' brains warmed up for math time.

FREE PRINTABLE GAMES THAT MAKE ADDITION FACT FUN WITH IMAGE OF BINGO BOARD AND DECK OF CARDS
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Addition Facts Bingo

Materials

  • Regular deck of playing cards with 10s and face cards removed
  • 1 Addition Fact Bingo board per player, customized according to the directions on the bottom
  • About 15 small objects per player for covering spots on the board (dried beans, small blocks, etc.)

Object of the game

Be the first player to cover 5 squares in a row, either across, down, or diagonal.


How to play

The dealer shuffles the cards and turns over the top two. Have your child say the sum of the two cards. For example, if the cards are a 2 and 9, your child would say “11.”
Each player covers a square containing the sum. Continue until one of you wins by filling in an entire column, row, or diagonal.

Yahtzee game boz. Red box with white letters. 5 rolling dice.
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Yahtzee

Materials

  • 2 dice
  • 1 printable Addition Fact Yahtzee game board for each player. (Cut the game boards apart on the dotted line.)
  • About 15 small objects per player for covering spots on the board (dried beans, small blocks, etc.)

Object of the game

Be the first person to cover all the numbers on your game board.


How to play

On your turn, roll two dice. Cover the number that matches the sum of the two dice. If the sum is already covered, play passes to the next player. The first person to cover all of the numbers on their game board wins.


Quick version

Have everyone play simultaneously with their own dice, as fast as they can.

Two piles of playing cards face down. Two playing cards face up: 9 and 10.
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Addition Fact War

Materials

One regular deck of cards, with 10s, jacks, queens, and kings removed. (You can adjust the difficulty of the game depending on which cards you use. For example, if you’d like your child just to practice the sums up to 10, leave in just the aces, 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s. If you’d like your child to practice the harder sums, leave only the 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s.)


Object of the game

Win the most cards.


How to play

As in the regular card game War, shuffle the cards and deal out an equal number of cards to each player. Players place their cards face down in a pile.
To play, turn over the top two cards in your pile and announce their sum. For example, if you turn over a 3 and a 5, you would say, “Five plus three equals eight.” Then the other player turns over two cards and announces their sum.
Whoever’s sum is greater wins all 4 cards. If the sums are equal, play again. The player whose sum is greater wins all 8 cards. Set aside the cards that are won.
Play until both players use up all the cards they were dealt. Whoever wins the most cards wins the game.

eight cards with fractions and 3 plastic spoons
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Equivalent Fractions ‘Spoons’ Game

This game for practicing equivalent fractions is a variation on the classic card game "Spoons." If you've ever played "Spoons" before, you know that the game is super fast-paced and lots of fun. I figured that if I could combine the fun and exciting parts of "Spoons" with some equivalent fractions practice, I'd have a center game that my students would be dying to play. And let me tell you, this one does not disappoint!


Number of players: 3-6 players

Preparing the materials:


1. Click here to download the Equivalent Fraction cards that we've created for this game. Print and cut the cards.


2. Grab some plastic spoons (or any other object that can be grabbed by the players). You need one fewer than the number of players. For example, if you have 6 players, you'll need 5 spoons.


Object of the game:

To be the last player remaining in the game. Players get closer to being eliminated each time they are left without a spoon, which earns them the next letter in the word S-P-O-O-N. Once a player has earned all 5 letters in the word S-P-O-O-N, he or she is out.


Getting ready to play:

1.Arrange the spoons in a small circle in the center of the table.

2.Shuffle the equivalent fraction game cards and deal four cards face down to each player. The players may look at their own cards, but may not show their cards to anyone else.

3.Choose a dealer for the round. The remaining cards should be placed in a pile facedown beside the dealer.


Playing the game:

1.The dealer takes a card off the top of the pile so that he or she now has five cards in his or her hand. The dealer removes one of the five cards from his or her hand and passes it facedown to the player on his or her left. The dealer then continues to pick up cards from the pile and discard one card at a time to the player on his or her left.

2.The player to the left of the dealer picks up the discarded card from the dealer. Like the dealer, he or she removes one of the five cards from his or her hand and passes it facedown to the person on his or her left. He or she continues to do this as cards continue getting discarded to him or her.

3.This quick picking up and passing of cards continues around the circle. The last player in the circle always places his or her discarded card into a trash pile. These cards are now out of play for the round.

4.Once someone gets four-of-a-kind (four fraction cards that are equivalent makes four-of-a-kind) in his or her hand, he or she grabs a spoon from the center of the table. Once the player with four-of-a-kind takes a spoon, everyone else tries to immediately grab a spoon (even if they do not yet have four-of-a-kind).

Three bingo boards, 6 dice, and bingo markers.  one board with 3-digit numbers, one board with 5-digit numbers, and one board with decimal to hundredths
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Roll It! Rounding Game

The free place value game that I have for you today focuses on rounding. Once again, I've included game boards for three different versions (rounding 3-digit numbers to tens, rounding 5-digit numbers to thousands, and rounding 3-digit decimals to hundredths) so that you can choose the level that works best for your classroom.

Materials needed:

  • Roll It! Rounding Game Boards (see below)

  • Dice (the number of dice needed depends on the game level being used)

    • Rounding Numbers to the Nearest Ten = 3 dice

    • Rounding Numbers to the Nearest Thousand = 5 dice

    • Rounding Numbers to the Nearest Hundredth = 3 dice

  • Cup for holding the dice

  • Small counters or beads

1. Click here to download the Roll It! Rounding Game Boards.

Choose the game board that's best for your class!

2. Determine which level you'd like your students to play. Each page in the download is a different level. There are two of the same game board on each page.

3. Print the game board page. You'll need one game board (1/2 page) for each 2-player game. I recommend that you laminate the game board so that you can use it over and over again.

4. Grab the correct number of dice for the level your students will play (see "Materials needed" above).

5. Grab some small counters for each player. Each player needs a different color.

  • Playing the game:

    Object of the game: To be the first player to make a line of four in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) on the game board.

    Number of players: 2

    1. To decide who goes first, each player rolls one of the dice. The player with the highest roll goes first.

    2. On your turn, roll all of the dice. I like to have my students roll the dice into a small plastic container so that the dice don't roll onto the floor.

    3. Use all of the dice that you just rolled to create a number. You may place the dice in any order to create the number. For example, if you rolled 4, 1, and 6, you may create 416, 461, 146, 164, 614, or 641.

    • If playing "Rounding Numbers to the Nearest Ten," you'll create a 3-digit number.

    • If playing "Rounding Numbers to the Nearest Thousand," you'll create a 5-digit number.

    • If playing "Rounding Numbers to the Nearest Hundredth," you'll create a 3-digit decimal by placing a decimal point in front of all 3 digits (i.e. no whole numbers).

    4. Depending on the game that you are playing, round the number that you created to the nearest ten/thousand/hundredth. Then, place one of your counters on top of that number on the game board. If your opponent's counter is already on that number, you may not place your counter on the game board.

Four Place Value Yahtzee Score Cards and Five Dice
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Place Value Yahtzee

The game that I have for you today is a place value version of the popular game Yahtzee. I've included the score sheets for five different versions (3-digit numbers, 4-digit numbers, 5-digit numbers, 6-digit numbers, and decimals) so that you can choose the level that works best for your classroom. You could even assign different levels to different students... such easy differentiation!

Materials needed:

  • Place Value Yahtzee score sheets (see below)

  • Dice (the number of dice needed depends on the game level being used)

    • 3-digit numbers = 3 dice

    • 4-digit numbers = 4 dice

    • 5-digit numbers = 5 dice

    • 6-digit numbers = 6 dice

    • Decimal numbers = 5 dice

  • Cup for holding the dice

  • Pencils

1. Click here to download our Place Value Yahtzee Score Cards.


Choose the score card that best matches your students!

2. Determine which level you'd like your students to play. Each page in the download is a different level. There are four of the same score sheet on each page.

3. Make enough copies of the score sheets for your students. One score sheet (1/4 page) is needed per player per game.

4. Grab the correct number of dice and some pencils.

Playing the game:

Object of the game: To score the greatest number of points.

Number of players: 2 or more

1. To decide who goes first, each player rolls all of the dice at once and adds up their roll. The player with the greatest sum goes first.

2. On your turn, you may roll the dice 1 or 2 times. You may stop and score after your first roll or after your second roll. To roll the dice, place all of the dice in the dice cup, shake them, and roll them out onto the table.

3. After your first roll, set any dice aside that you would like to keep ("keepers"). You will not roll any of the "keepers" on your second roll.

  • If you decide to keep all of the dice, enter your score on the score sheet. Your turn is now over.

  • If you decide to keep some of the dice, put the "keepers" aside and roll the other dice again.

  • If you decide to keep none of the dice, place them all back in the cup and roll again.

4. For your second roll, re-roll any of the dice you would like.


5. After your second roll, you must fill in your score card (see below) with the numbers you have rolled. The next player's turn now begins.

6. Continue taking turns until each player has filled in all 9 category boxes (with either a number or X).

Scoring the game:

1. After completing your roll, use the numbers showing on the dice to fill in one of the 9 categories on your score sheet. For each category, your goal is create the greatest number you can.




2. You must fill in only one category on each turn. You may fill the categories in any order. If you cannot enter a number for any category after rolling, you must place an X beside any open category. Each category may only be filled in once (with a number or X). Once you have filled in a category, you may not change it during the game.

Determining the winner:

1. After each player has filled in all 9 categories on his/her score sheet with a number or X, it is time for the players to compare their score sheets.

2. Players start by comparing the number they filled in for the first category. An X in any category counts as 0. The player with the greatest number written circles that category on his/her score sheet and receives 1 point. If there is a tie, both players receive the point.

  • I like to make students read their number aloud correctly. If they do not read it correctly, they cannot receive the point, even if their number is the greatest.

3. Players repeat the same for all 9 categories.

4. The player with the greatest number of points is the winner! If there is a tie, the players can have one final roll to see who rolls the largest number.

People's response when they learn I'm a math teacher: 12 % wow you must be really smart! 88% I HATE math!
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After the OSTP After the OSTP

What's next?

There are several options for math lessons after testing.


Use the lessons in the pacing guide.

There is an outline of topics in you pacing guide for May that you can use. These topics were specifically chosen because they need to be MASTERED before the next grade level.


Look at STAR Data

Look at your standards-mastery report and plan some lessons on the skills your students need.


Do some project-based learning.

It's time to put that math knowledge to use in a project! Below are some ideas. If you have a project that has been successful in your class, please share it with the grade level team in the email group. We have lots of teachers new to grade levels that would be thankful for some ideas!

Seven essential project design elements & 7 project based teaching practices from https://itali.uq.edu.au/teaching-guidance/teaching-practices/active-learning/project-based-learning
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Project-Based Learning Ideas

Kindergarten

1. Build a Classroom Zoo 🐘
Students create a zoo using blocks or drawings and sort animals by type, size, or color.
Math focus: Sorting, counting, comparing numbers, basic graphing

2. Snack Shop
Students “buy” snacks using play money and count items.
Math focus: Counting, one-to-one correspondence, simple addition


1st Grade

1. Plan a Birthday Party 🎉
Students plan a party by counting guests, dividing snacks, and choosing decorations.
Math focus: Addition/subtraction within 20, equal groups, simple budgeting

2. Build a Mini City 🏙️
Students design a small town using shapes.
Math focus: 2D shapes, spatial reasoning, measuring lengths


2nd Grade

1. Classroom Store
Students create a store, price items, and make purchases.
Math focus: Money, addition/subtraction within 100, making change

2. Weather Data Project 🌦️
Students track daily weather and create graphs.
Math focus: Data collection, bar graphs, interpreting data


3rd Grade

1. Dream Playground Design 🛝
Students design a playground with a budget and layout.
Math focus: Area, perimeter, multiplication, budgeting

2. Create a Cookbook for the Class🍪
Students create and adjust recipes.
Math focus: Fractions, measurement, multiplication/division


4th Grade

1. Plan a Road Trip 🚗
Students map a trip, calculate distances, time, and costs.
Math focus: Multi-digit operations, measurement, elapsed time

2. Build a Theme Park 🎢
Students design rides with area, perimeter, and cost constraints.
Math focus: Geometry, factors/multiples, budgeting


5th Grade

1. Run a Small Business 💼
Students create a business, track expenses, and calculate profit.
Math focus: Decimals, operations, financial literacy

2. House Design Project 🏠
Students design a house blueprint.
Math focus: Area, perimeter, volume, scaling


6th Grade

1. Budget Your Life 💰
Students create a monthly budget based on a career.
Math focus: Ratios, percentages, decimals, financial literacy

2. School Event Planner 🎟️
Students plan an event (dance, fundraiser) including costs, pricing, and attendance predictions.
Math focus: Ratios, unit rates, statistics, probability

Pioneer Library Resources Pioneer Library Resources

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Free Tutoring from Pioneer Library

The Pioneer Library System has several ways to help students - all for FREE! (Library card required)








  • Live Online Tutoring - Online help from expert tutors
  • Writing Lab - expert online writing assistance
  • Skill Surfer - Live skills building, lessons, videos, practice test, etc.
  • Send a Question - Send a questions and receive an expert reply within 24 hours.
  • Language Lab - Live Help for language learners
  • Flashbulb - Create and share flashcards, tests, and games
  • MEET - Schedule sessions with friends in a virtual study room
  • Brainwave - Create and share movie-like notes and ideas.
Check out resources available at the Pioneer Library!
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Experience Passes

Explore your Oklahoma with Experience Passes

Experience Passes open doors to museums to explore Oklahoma history, nature, art, and more by giving families* admission to the following museums, cultural centers, and more across Oklahoma. All you need is your library card.

Check out an Experience Pass from your library for free admission to:


  • First Americans Museum

  • Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

  • Mabee-Gerrer Art Museum

  • Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Conservatory

  • National Cowboy Western Heritage Museum

  • Oklahoma City Museum of Art

  • Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gaylord-Pickens Museum

  • Oklahoma History Center

  • Oklahoma City Zoo

  • Science Museum Oklahoma

  • Skeletons: Museum of Osteology

Find Your Experience!

SPED Spotlight SPED Spotlight

Imagine writing a set of driving directions. You’d list the steps, detailing when to turn right and left. But would this work for someone who is not able to differentiate between left and right?

In a case like this, we’d have to strengthen our directions to meet this person’s special needs.

We can do the same when it comes to teaching math.

There is not a single, surefire approach for teaching math to students with learning disabilities. However, a good rule of thumb is to use evidence-based teaching practices that work for all students—and then make the necessary, specially designed adjustments so students with learning disabilities have the support to get where you’re asking them to go.

You might find that you improve outcomes for all students in the process.


With support from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, the IRIS Center at Vanderbilt University has assembled a set of best practices to help math educators meet the needs of struggling learners and students with learning disabilities. Here are a few highlights:


1. Explicit Instruction

Highly structured and thoughtfully sequenced teaching can improve the ability of all students—including students with learning disabilities—to learn mathematical concepts across grade levels.


2. Visual Representations

Providing students with an accurate visual depiction of a math problem’s quantities and relationships can help them reflect on their own understanding and solve that problem. Because students with learning disabilities do not use this strategy on their own, it’s important for teachers to provide them with visual representation.


3. Schema Instruction

Word problems can be difficult for most students—especially students with learning disabilities. Teaching students how to identify word problem types based on their structure (i.e., schema) can help. Studies have shown that students are more successful at solving word problems when they identify word problem types than when they learn to only identify keywords in the problem.


4. Metacognitive Strategies

Without teacher intervention, students with learning disabilities might use math strategies inconsistently or not at all. Teaching students metacognitive strategies (those that build awareness of mathematical thinking and problem-solving strategies) can help them focus on what’s relevant and solve the problem.


The full article is linked below.

Teaching Math to Struggling Learners Article

Fine Motor Skills

Finding fun ways to work on fine motor skills is always near the top of the SPED teachers' list! Below are some resources for students to practice those fine motor skills.

Tracing Practice
Pre-writing Shape Practice
Maze Activity Sheets

An Educator’s Guide to Easing Anxiety in the Classroom

Understand Their Triggers

Adults need to learn what the triggers are for the children, and then help the children identify those triggers, so that they can do better. For instance, in a classroom, it might be certain words that trigger something worrying. The first thing we have to do is know our children, and what I call the emotional baggage that they’re coming into the classroom with, because a lot of our children are coming in with a lot of baggage.


We need to not make assumptions based upon children’s observable behaviors, because underlying those observable behaviors may be issues that are far more complex and involve a mental health issue. For instance, the child may act out because of anxiety or because someone moved his book out of place and he has obsessive compulsive issues.


Use One-Step Directions

One of the big concerns that I see with children is that we switch activities, and we switch activities fast. And sometimes our children can’t move from PE class to math, because that’s just too big of a jump. So we might need to build in an intermediate step. So for instance, rather than going right from PE to math, maybe we can go from PE to doing an active activity in math, that involves some body movement.


Take Out Timers

If we say to children, ‘you have five minutes to do this,’ that in itself is going to cause anxiety for some children. It’s probably much better to say, in math, do two more problems, or in reading, answer one more question, or if you’re an art teacher, finish painting with this one color. It’s those little things that can really make a big difference for a child, and can avoid a lot of stress and anxiety.


For children with anxiety, we need to be careful of the use of timers because those may be upsetting to them. They’re so busy worrying about ‘when is the timer going to go off?’ that this may not be an effective practice for them. So remember to instead say things like, ‘let’s do two more together,’ as opposed to using timers.

Teach Test-Taking Strategies

We could reduce some anxiety if we taught our children how to take tests. There are lots of well-researched test taking strategies that are out there for students. Test taking is a skill.


Teach Self-Regulation

Never assume that children just automatically know how to emotionally regulate. They have to be taught, and they have to be taught first by co-regulating with someone. So for instance, when we see the child is stressed, or where we’re stressed, we may need to teach them some deep breathing activities, we maybe want to teach them things that are what we call ‘cognitive distractions.’ In other words, let’s move to another activity, or let’s change the topic.

An Educator’s Guide to Easing Anxiety in the Classroom - Full Article

Let me know

Anything you want featured in this section? Just let me know!

Joke Time! Joke Time!

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Time for a Little Laugh🤣

What's a penguin's favorite salad?

Iceberg Lettuce


What do you get from a pampered cow?

Spoiled Milk


What do you get when you cross a fish and an elephant?

Swimming Trunks

Little Learners Lane: Math Activities Little Learners Lane: Math Activities

Games & Activities

Here are some games and activities to help with lots of different early childhood skills.

Large piece of white paper with triangles, rectangles, squares, and circles drawn on it. Young girl coloring all the circle purple.
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Shape Hunt

Grab some butcher paper, a sharpie, crayons, and some tape! Assign each shape a different color and let the fun fly!

Large piece of brown butcher paper with outlines of circles, triangles, and rectangles drawn in black slightly overlapping each other.
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Shape Wall Art

Draw over lapping shapes on butcher paper and assign each a color. Then you can talk about the attributes of shapes and how mixing colors makes new ones!

Large piece of white paper with single-digit numbers written in black. Colorful post-it notes with addition problems on them.
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Post-It Math

Grab some large butcher paper, a marker, and some post-it notes. Write numbers all over the butcher paper. Create addition and subtraction expressions that match the numbers on the paper. Give the students each a post-it, and have them find their answer!

Shapes drawn with sidewalk chalk on concrete. Young girl jumping onto one of the shapes.
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Shape Hopscotch

  1. Grab a few fun colors of sidewalk chalk and a bare spot of cement.
  2. Draw several shapes in a line; the same as you would do for a regular hopscotch game.
  3. Find a couple of rocks, grab the kids, and start playing.
  4. For our version, the kids took turns throwing their rock onto the shapes.
  5. They had to hop to the shape closest to their rock.
  6. They practiced jumping on one foot and they also had to name each shape as they landed in it.
Young girl sitting at a table with a bowl of playdough balls and a subtraction problem reading 3-1. She has three balls of playdough in front of her, and she is smashing one of them.
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Smash Subtraction

  1. Grab some cards and write some subtractions expressions on them.
  2. Have students make balls out of playdough.
  3. Students would flip over a card and read the question.
  4. Students set out the correct number of dough balls and smash the number of balls we need to take away.

An adult woman and child sitting at a table with flash cards on the table.
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I Spy: Fun with Flashcards

There are more ways to have a little fun with flashcards. Try laying them all out on the table or floor, then playing I Spy. Say, “I spy a flashcard with a sum of 15.” Your child grabs a matching card as quickly as possible. If they’re right, they keep it; otherwise it goes back on the table.

Need Help Staying on Track?

Do your students need help remembering what tasks need to be done without running to you to provide constant reminders? Try this! It's an idea that originally was made for home, but it can be easily adapted to school life. There is a picture and words for each task. This is made with a file folder and magnets so the child can close the tab when they accomplish it.

Young boy with chart reminding him of morning routines life brushing teeth, making bed, getting dressed, and brushing hair.
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Math Meets Storytime: Stories that Count Math Meets Storytime: Stories that Count

A Penny's Worth book cover with pictures of pennies.
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A Penny's Worth (PK - 1)

Hot off the minting press, Penny feels like a million bucks. But as other coins and bills are spent while she sits forgotten, she begins to doubt her value. She is too small to slot-surf with Quarter. Even penny candy sells for a dime! Refusing to be short-changed, she sets out to find her purpose at any cost.

Readers will laugh at a wealth of money puns, learn a basic lesson on US currency, and discover that self-worth is truly priceless.


Read Aloud

Bunny Money Book Cover. Green background with a bunny in the middle holding a quarter.
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Bunny Money (PK -1)

It's Grandma's birthday, and Ruby knows exactly what Grandma would love-a beautiful ballerina box. Max also knows what she'd love-a scary pair of ooey-gooey vampire teeth. Ruby has saved up a wallet full of bills, but as unexpected mishap after mishap occurs, money starts running through the bunnies' fingers.... Will they have enough left for the perfect present? Wells' adorable story is also a fun and lively introduction to early math.


Read Aloud

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Penny Pot (2nd - 3rd)

The Penny Pot is perfect for teaching counting coins to second and third graders. Life-size coins and a cat named Chester will soon have readers confidently counting coins along with Jessie and her friends at the face-painting booth.


Kids will love the story and the funny illustrations by Lynne Cravath. Parents and other educators will love how the story and pictures make understanding comparisons a breeze—as well as the concrete examples of how math works! The book contains activities for adults to do with kids to extend math into their own lives!


Read Aloud

Book cover for Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland. Pink background with knight in armor on the cover.
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Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland (4th & 5th)

Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland is a 2001 children's math adventure book by Cindy Neuschwander, illustrated by Wayne Geehan, that teaches about angles and geometry through the quest of Radius, Sir Cumference's son, to rescue King Lell. To succeed, Radius uses a circular medallion (a protractor) to navigate and solve problems involving angles, learning about concepts like right angles and angle measurement along the way.


Read Aloud

Book cover for What's Your Angle, Pythagoras? Ocean in background with young boy in ancient greek clothing leaning on a column.
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What's Your Angle, Pythagoras? (5th & 6th)

What's Your Angle, Pythagoras? by Julie Ellis is a children's STEM/STEAM picture book that introduces the Pythagorean Theorem through a story about a young Pythagoras exploring geometry in ancient Alexandria. The book uses wordplay and adventure to teach concepts like right angles, right triangles, and the theorem itself, making math accessible and fun for young readers (ages 6-10). It's part of the "Charlesbridge Math Adventures" series and is praised for its engaging narrative and educational value.


Read Aloud

Book cover for Shape Up. Orange, blue, green, yellow and blue with multiple types of polygons on the cover.
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Shape Up (5th -6th )

Shape Up!: Fun With Triangles and Other Polygons by David A. Adler is a children's non-fiction book that uses hands-on activities with everyday objects like pretzels and cheese to teach basic geometry concepts like triangles, quadrilaterals, and angles. Published in 1998, it's praised for making math fun and accessible for young readers through playful text and illustrations, making it a great introduction to geometry.

Read Aloud

Math and Music Math and Music

Coins! (PK - K)
Coin Poems (PK - K)
The Money Song - Jack Hartman (1st - 2nd)
Money Song - Gracie's Corner (1st - 2nd)
Penny, Nickle, Dime, and Quarter (2nd - 3rd)
Get Your Money Right (3rd - 4th)
Lines and Angles (4th)
Protractors (4th - 5th)
Mean, Median, Mode, and Range (5th -6th)
Mean, Median, Mode, and Range (5th - 6th)
Coordinate Plane Song (Quadrant 1) (5th)
Coordinate Plane Song (All Quadrants) (6th)

Help Is Available Help Is Available

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Please Reach Out

My entire job is to help you in whatever capacity you need.


  • Off on the pacing and need help getting back on track?
  • Lesson just flopped and need some ideas?
  • Have a small group of students still struggling and don't know how to help?
  • Need help with the curriculum and how to use it?
  • Had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day and just need to vent & talk?


These are just some of the ways I can help. Please reach out when you need some help, ideas, or just a shoulder to lean on.

Resources Resources

New Math Standards (OSDE Version)
Crosswalk - Comparing old and new standards for each grade level.
Vertical Alignment - Progression Across Grade Levels
Curriculum Guides
OSDE Math Website
OSDE Math Framework
Want a Co-Teacher? I can come work with you!

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Thank You

We have winner from the drawing from the March Moore Math Message entries. Look for an email to claim your prize!


Thank you for taking the time to read Math Messages this month. Please register for the monthly drawing for some goodies!

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Madison Parsons, Bryant Elementary

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Melissa McDowell, Sooner Elementary

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When you are reviewing math homework and get jealous of the person in the work problem: Rent: $768, utilities $253, groceries and gas $250
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Jenn Lowery
Jenniferlowery@mooreschools.com

405-735-4270

Curriculum Guides

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