How can you transform standard exercises into fun games that deepen math skills while fostering critical thinking and collaboration? Research shows that gamifying learning experiences significantly increases student engagement, participation, and retention of math concepts. Join Sofia Guerrero for this hands-on, interactive workshop that will empower you to breathe life into everyday worksheets, transforming them into memorable, interactive math games. Get ready to unlock the power of gamification and inspire a newfound enthusiasm for math among your students by transforming "just another worksheet" into "Wow!" moments of discovery and engagement! Sofia’s expertise as an instructional specialist will equip you with tools and resources to transform rote tasks into opportunities for active learning and explore practical strategies that make math practice both effective and enjoyable. This is workshop one of three for the series titled “Level Up Math: Gamifying the Classroom for Engaged Learning.” Key Takeaways Learn how to apply game design elements to traditional worksheets, creating engaging formats that encourage skill mastery through play. Gain adaptable techniques for transforming existing worksheets into collaborative activities, puzzles, and challenges that capture students’ attention and keep them motivated. Explore strategies to make math practice interactive, rewarding, and aligned with learning goals, leading to greater student interest and success. Discover how interactive games can foster a collaborative classroom environment and help students develop critical thinking skills by tackling math problems in new ways. Presented by Sofia Guerrero Sofia Guerrero currently serves as a district math instructional specialist in Houston, Texas. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various roles, including middle school teaching and leadership in digital integration as an EdTech coach. Sofia is deeply committed to nurturing a robust foundation of instruction, providing students with many opportunities to express and demonstrate their thoughts and learning, driven by her genuine passion for education.

How can you transform math lessons into exciting adventures that captivate young learners? Innovative, hands-on activities, interactive games, and storytelling techniques can turn traditional math lessons into joyful learning experiences. Join Chrissy Romano-Arrabito for this timesaving, to the point session where you will discover creative ways to engage young minds with numbers through playful strategies that transform your classroom into a hub of excitement and learning. From interactive games and storytelling techniques to hands-on activities that bring math concepts to life, you will gain practical tools to cultivate a love for math in your students. Prepare to transform your math lessons into exciting adventures that inspire a lifelong love of numbers in your students! Chrissy's expertise in evidence-based teaching practices will provide you with resources and ideas that inspire curiosity, boost confidence, and make learning math a joyful adventure for every child. Key Takeaways Discover innovative, hands-on activities that make math fun and accessible for young learners. Learn how to integrate storytelling techniques to connect mathematical concepts with real-life experiences. Explore interactive games that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Gain practical strategies to create a classroom environment that fosters enthusiasm and a love for math. Presented by Chrissy Romano-Arrabito Chrissy Romano-Arrabito is a first-grade educator at Nellie K. Parker Elementary School in Hackensack, New Jersey. With an extensive career spanning over three decades, she possesses a wealth of expertise in nurturing the educational growth of elementary and middle school students. Chrissy's educational philosophy is rooted in her deep commitment to nurturing the complete development of each child. She is a fervent advocate for innovation within the classroom, continually seeking ways to facilitate authentic and engaging learning encounters for her students.

Have you ever wondered why some students seem to grasp math concepts effortlessly while others struggle? Understanding how students learn math is key to unlocking their potential. Research shows that students’ attitudes toward math are shaped by their experiences in the classroom, influencing whether they find the subject enjoyable or challenging. Join Michelle Dragalin for this timesaving, to the point session as we dive into the science of math, exploring the cognitive processes involved and strategies to make math more relatable and enjoyable for all learners. Get ready to transform your instruction and support students on their mathematical journey! Michelle’s expertise in curriculum development will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to integrate real-world applications into your math lessons and help students connect abstract concepts to practical uses in ways that resonate with their interests and future career paths. Key Takeaways Gain insights into the different cognitive processes that influence how students understand and retain math concepts. Discover practical applications of math that make the subject relevant and engaging for students. Explore how to emphasize the correct use of mathematical vocabulary in your classroom to improve students' problem-solving abilities and overall mathematical literacy. Learn how to equip your students with the skills and confidence needed to tackle math challenges by using strategies that cater to diverse learning styles and cognitive processes. Presented by Michelle Dragalin Michelle Dragalin is a versatile online freelance writer, curriculum developer, adjunct professor, and instructional designer. With a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, as well as a specialist’s degree in educational technology, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise to the field. Her background includes roles as a paraprofessional and head start teacher, along with extensive experience in catering to diverse learners across Pre-K to tenth grades.

Are you seeking strategies to ensure continuity and coherence in equation instruction across grade levels? Vertical alignment establishes a smooth progression of equation-solving skills by systematically building upon foundational concepts taught in earlier grades. Join Sofia Guerrero for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we dive into vertical alignment for solving equations in grade six through high school, investigate how solving equations evolves across grade levels, and compare the development of these critical skills. Get ready to revolutionize your equation instruction and empower your students to become confident problem solvers at every stage of their mathematical journey! Sofia’s expertise as an instructional specialist will equip you with the tools you need to enhance student understanding, retention, and mastery of equations that will facilitate a seamless transition from elementary to secondary mathematics. This is workshop one of three for the series titled “Vertical Alignment for Solving Equations in Secondary Math.” Key Takeaways Explore strategies for vertically aligning equation instruction to ensure coherence and continuity across grade levels. Learn how to scaffold equation-solving skills, providing appropriate support and challenges at each stage of the vertical progression. Discover techniques for differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students as they progress along the vertical pathway to equation mastery. Gain insights into leveraging technology and manipulatives to enhance equation instruction and deepen student understanding at every level. Presented by Sofia Guerrero Sofia Guerrero currently serves as a district math instructional specialist in Houston, Texas. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various roles, including middle school teaching and leadership in digital integration as an EdTech coach. Sofia is deeply committed to nurturing a robust foundation of instruction, providing students with many opportunities to express and demonstrate their thoughts and learning, driven by her genuine passion for education.

Would you like unleash the full potential of Desmos by designing your own activities that scaffold equation-solving skills and support students' growth across grade levels? Customized Desmos activities allow teachers to design interactive experiences that cater to students' diverse needs, abilities, and learning styles. Join Sofia Guerrero for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we dive into an immersive experience using the digital platform Desmos, exploring where to locate and edit pre-built activities as well as how to create your own customized activities from scratch, step-by-step. Get ready to revolutionize your equation instruction and empower your students to become confident problem solvers at every stage of their mathematical journey! Sofia’s expertise as an instructional specialist will equip you with the skills you need to promote student agency, enhance differentiation, and promote deeper understanding of concepts that will facilitate a seamless transition from elementary to secondary mathematics. This is workshop three of three for the series titled “Vertical Alignment for Solving Equations in Secondary Math.” Key Takeaways Learn how to design Desmos activities that scaffold equation-solving skills, providing appropriate challenges and support at each stage of the vertical progression. Explore strategies for incorporating interactive elements, such as sliders, graphs, and simulations, to enhance student engagement and deepen understanding of equations. Discover techniques for aligning Desmos activities with curriculum standards and learning objectives, ensuring coherence and continuity in equation instruction across grade levels. Gain insights into leveraging Desmos data and feedback features to assess student progress, identify areas for growth, and inform instructional decision-making. Presented by Sofia Guerrero Sofia Guerrero currently serves as a district math instructional specialist in Houston, Texas. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various roles, including middle school teaching and leadership in digital integration as an EdTech coach. Sofia is deeply committed to nurturing a robust foundation of instruction, providing students with many opportunities to express and demonstrate their thoughts and learning, driven by her genuine passion for education.

Have you ever wondered how to leverage the power of technology to support vertical alignment in equation instruction? Desmos is a powerful online graphing calculator that offers interactive tools and visualizations to help students explore and understand mathematical concepts, including equations. Join Sofia Guerrero for this hands-on, interactive workshop as we dive into an immersive experience using the digital platform Desmos and explore how technology can support building a conceptual understanding of solving equations in an interactive way. Get ready to revolutionize your equation instruction and empower your students to master mathematical concepts at every stage of their learning journey! Sofia’s expertise as an instructional specialist will equip you with the skills you need to enhance student engagement and promote deeper understanding of concepts that will facilitate a seamless transition from elementary to secondary mathematics. This is workshop two of three for the series titled “Vertical Alignment for Solving Equations in Secondary Math.” Key Takeaways Explore the diverse features of Desmos for equation instruction, including graphing tools, sliders, and interactive activities, to support students' progression. Learn how to scaffold equation-solving skills using Desmos, providing opportunities for exploration, experimentation, and discovery at each stage of the vertical pathway. Discover strategies for integrating Desmos into your curriculum to enhance equation instruction, differentiate learning experiences, and promote student agency and ownership of learning. Gain insights into assessing student understanding and progress using Desmos, leveraging real-time feedback and data to inform instruction and support student growth. Presented by Sofia Guerrero Sofia Guerrero currently serves as a district math instructional specialist in Houston, Texas. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various roles, including middle school teaching and leadership in digital integration as an EdTech coach. Sofia is deeply committed to nurturing a robust foundation of instruction, providing students with many opportunities to express and demonstrate their thoughts and learning, driven by her genuine passion for education.