Karyn's Blog

The Counting Strip: A Powerful Tool in the preK-1 Classroom

March 6, 2015 Karyn Comments 0 Comment

A simple but powerful tool in the preK-1 classroom is the counting strip. Different than the number line, a counting strip is made up of 10 to 20 small rectangles and written in each rectangle is a number starting with ‘1’. Because young students need a lot of opportunities to simply count, the counting strips serves as a great foundation to later work with the number line and 10-frame. Why is the counting strip such a powerful tool? Small…

Self-Determination Theory

December 17, 2014 Karyn Comments 0 Comment

Over three decades ago, psychologist Edward L. Deci began studying human motivation. Since then, his research and collaborations with fellow psychologist Richard M. Ryan, combined with the research of countless others, has given us a framework within which we can come to understand human motivation. This framework, called Self-Determination Theory, developed out of the study of extrinsic (external) and intrinsic (internal) rewards, the two forces that motivate us. So why, specifically, are we motivated to do something? Self-Determination Theory attributes it…

Nifty Numbers Family Math Night Sample Activity Sheets

July 18, 2014 Karyn Comments 0 Comment

Here’s a sample of some of the activity sheets from our Nifty Numbers Family Math Night kit. The activities are designed to get kids to think about and make sense of numbers. All of our kits come with all the materials, manipulatives, participant booklets, vinyl banners, communication packets, and much more! Designed to make hosting a Family Math Night event super easy! …and…the kit can be used over…and over…and over…

Gellin’ with Geometry Family Math Night

May 25, 2014 Karyn Comments 0 Comment

Our third Family Math Night kit, Gellin’ with Geometry, is filled with a variety of engaging, hands-on activities that include explorations in 2- and 3-dimensional geometry…perfect for developing those visual/spatial STEM skills. Click here to get a copy of the product sheet.

Nifty Numbers Family Math Night

March 2, 2013 Karyn Comments 0 Comment

Looking for a super fun way to involve your families on an academic level? A Nifty Numbers Family Math Night event is a great community-building event that centers around engaging hands-on activities in math. Aligned to the Common Core Standards in Mathematics, it’s the fun way of getting math homework done! Click on the picture below to get a print-ready copy.