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Math
Puzzlers Making a Difference
I
just implemented Laura's Math Puzzlers, and after two weeks I
can already see changes in my class. They are picking up
good habits like underlining key words, and writing complete
answers already! Each day when we take out the sheet,
they know what to do and enjoy doing it. I think part of
the fun comes from the program's title "Math
Puzzlers". Somehow, they seem to think puzzles are
way more fun than math word problems. I also have to say
that the breadth of topics and strategies covered in just one
weekly sheet is impressive. It is a great way to keep
math topics fresh, and have kids apply them to real
situations. Each problem could be solved using different
strategies, so it has been great for my kids to see all the
different ways they could have approached the problem.
I
am excited to be able to use the Math Puzzler Pack for the
rest of the school year. I really think it is going to
make a big difference in my student's math skills.
Dawn
3rd
grade, MN
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Calculator Lessons
I
have recently started using Math Puzzlers in my classroom.
I started by teaching the calculator lesson, and I was surprised
by the results. I assumed that all of my 5th grades knew
how to use a calculator correctly, but the lessons and
assessments showed me otherwise. The calculator lessons
will hopefully prevent some input mistakes on future test.
I also liked the way the program teaches the basic problem
solving skills in a quick lesson that I can incorporate into my
daily math lesson.
Kimberly Smith
Middle Childhood Generalist NBCT
Banks Elementary, 5th Grade
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Math
Money a Big Hit!
I
started using the Daily Math Puzzlers with my 4th graders a few
weeks ago. My students enjoy the problems and are now
begging me for more problems so they can earn Math Money.
I reward the students who present clear, well organized solutions with a Math Money
certificate. They are eager to review different solutions
for the problems I let students use Math Money to play
simple math games with one another, or on the computers later in
the day. I'm happy to have a format for doing regular
problem solving in my room each day since our math program is hard to jump in and out of and doesn't provide much in
the way of problem solving.
Debbie
Davisreid
Olympia,
Washington
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User-Friendly
Resource
I started
using the Daily Math Puzzler in my class this year and my
4th graders love it! It is exactly what they need to
develop good problem solving strategies. My kids enjoy
using these puzzlers to play partner and group "games".
We start math when we get back from lunch and today I was
reminded by the kids to do the puzzlers. They let me know today
that they enjoy working on the problems daily. I have been
giving the a few minutes to work on the problem then we discuss
the problem and the answer. The students are able to share their
different ways of solving the problem. I think I have been
spending no more than 7 minutes a day on the Daily Math Puzzler
Program. Even though some of the puzzlers are challenging, they
actually look forward to the day's puzzler! I'm so glad to
have a user-friendly resource to help my students become better
problem solvers. Thanks!
Sheryl
Easterling
4th
Grade
Waynesville,
NC
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Daily
Math Puzzlers Set the Tone for the Day
I
love the Math Puzzler Power Pack! The Puzzlers set the tone
for our day by helping to focus and organize our minds. I
honestly think that my students would be lost without a daily math
puzzler. Problem solving is not as "scary" to my
sixth graders as it once was. I am grateful to you for
prompting me to tell my students to think of word problems as
brain teasers or puzzles. I don't know why I hadn't thought
of that before! Thanks so much for knowing and providing
what students need to be successful.
Betsy Clark
6th Grade Teacher
Evant, Texas
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Aligned
with State Testing
The Daily
Math Puzzler program is definitely aligned with our
state test. Washington State's test requires students to
demonstrate their mathematical skills using problem solving for
grade levels 3-12. The DMP program stretches their
thinking skills because it offers a variation of the type of
problems being solved. This is a great way to start our day. The
kids know what to expect and the problem solving program has a
nice routine to follow. We have only started the program, but I
feel the confidence of my lower level learners is growing. The
program is very easy to follow and implement into my classroom.
It is great to start with calculator activities because no
matter what we are focusing on, if calculators are involved,
students are engaged. I love "Math Talk!" I have been
using cooperative groups for a few years now and this is a great
way to structure the group work. I particularly like how the
problems are leveled by grade.
Jennifer Bruce
Franklin Pierce School District
Washington
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Lots
of Teachable Moments
Way
to go Laura! Another wonderful product! The Daily Math
Puzzlers are a part of my daily math. In a world with high
stakes testing and so much stress in the classroom you have
found a way to make math fun. I teach 6th grade but my students
are on several different ability levels and the puzzles are
wonderful for them. They look forward to and really like
to do them. The main thing I love about the
worksheets...a lot of teachable moments. If there is a
problem that several students missed I can take the time to
teach that skill either for the first time or as a refresher.
What a great way to get ready for that "test" we all
dread. Keep
up the great work!
Linda
Stenberg in South Dakota
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Would you like to send in your
own testimonial? If you are using the Daily Math Puzzler Program, I'd love to
hear from you (lauracandler@att.net).
Let me know what you think of the program.
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