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MathyCathy

Rated 4.98 out of 5, based on 5002 reviews
1,532 Followers
Austin, Texas, United States
About the store
I've never been able to stick with the textbook...! I have over 20 years of experience teaching mathematics to middle and high school students, as well as serving as a Math Coach. In these roles, I impacted thousands of students and their teachers in one of Pennsylvania's largest districts. In 2012, I relocated to Austin, Texas, where I've taught Math 8, Math 8 Accelerated, RTI Math, and Algebra I in a 1:1 iPad classroom. Check out my blog for classroom happenings! http://www.mathycathy.com
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Preview of Fraction Operations Paper Foldable Study Guide - Summarize Succinctly!

Fraction Operations Paper Foldable Study Guide - Summarize Succinctly!

Created by
MathyCathy
After working with the 4 basic operations with fractions, some students inevitably confuse the "rules". This foldable study guide is designed to provide students with a visual, parallel comparison of the basics for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. Seeing them in this format will reinforce the similarities and differences between the operations, which is a brain-friendly strategy! Simply photocopy the two pages back-to-back, make one "hot dog" fold and two "hamburger"
Preview of Why is a Negative Times a Negative, Positive? Integer Multiplication Discovery

Why is a Negative Times a Negative, Positive? Integer Multiplication Discovery

Created by
MathyCathy
Use this spin on the typical multiplication tables chart to guide students to discover patterns and, ultimately, generalize the rules for multiplying integers... and if you dare... ask students to consider division while they're at it!
Preview of Big "G" Gallon - Graphic Relates Gallons, Quarts, Pints, and Cups

Big "G" Gallon - Graphic Relates Gallons, Quarts, Pints, and Cups

Created by
MathyCathy
Here's a visual students won't easily forget! Relate visually that every gallon has: 4 quarts 8 pints 16 cups Use as a reference to help students answer questions like: How many pints are in a quart? How many cups are in a half gallon? Post in your classroom, or copy on colorful paper for students to keep as a reference. For a perplexing look at how much various products cost per gallon, please check out my "How Much Per GALLON?" activity! Enjoy!
Preview of Integer Battle!  Adding Integers Competitive Game is a Winner With Students!

Integer Battle! Adding Integers Competitive Game is a Winner With Students!

Created by
MathyCathy
This game is a winner with middle school students! "Trick" your students into basic integer addition practice by giving them a reason to WANT to do the problems (to keep score for their team). Generally I structure this as a whole-class activity using two teams (split the class in half) and project the game board. Each team chooses an available number, and receives that number of points. Once students begin play, they start to realize strategies to either gain the most points... or PREVENT the
Preview of BIG HUGE PUZZLE: Converting Fractions and Decimals Cooperative Fun!

BIG HUGE PUZZLE: Converting Fractions and Decimals Cooperative Fun!

Created by
MathyCathy
This BIG HUGE PUZZLE measures 14 inches by 14 inches when complete! Students match up common "benchmark" fractions < --- > decimal conversions to demonstrate understanding of equivalent forms. Tenths, fifths, eights, fourths, thirds, sixths, and a few extra conversions are all included! Works great as a pairs activity, an anchoring activity, or even, at this size, as an interactive bulletin board to display in the classroom (which is why I designed it in the first place - to print on ca
Preview of BIG HUGE PUZZLE Converting Fractions, Decimals and Percents

BIG HUGE PUZZLE Converting Fractions, Decimals and Percents

Created by
MathyCathy
This BIG HUGE PUZZLE measures 14 inches by 14 inches when complete! Students match up simple fractions, decimals and percents to demonstrate understanding of basic conversions. Works great as a pairs activity, an anchoring activity, or even, at this size, as an interactive bulletin board to display in the classroom (which is why I designed it in the first place - to print on card stock, laminate, and velcro the pieces to a bulletin board). This is nice to display even before teaching students ab
Preview of Fraction Fiesta!  Bundle Encourages Conceptual Understanding of Fractions

Fraction Fiesta! Bundle Encourages Conceptual Understanding of Fractions

Created by
MathyCathy
It’s a fraction fiesta! Resources galore that encourage conceptual understanding of fractions and operations. Included in this bundle are 40+ pages of activities and assessments that are sure to appeal to diverse learners: • Visual and real-life examples of fractions • Exploring fractions close to “1” • Using ratio tables to simplify and find equivalent fractions • Two calculator explorations • Comparing and ordering fractions activities that can use dominoes as manipulatives • Understanding
Preview of Spice Up Warm-Up! 4-Corners: Add Subtract Fractions Mixed Numbers

Spice Up Warm-Up! 4-Corners: Add Subtract Fractions Mixed Numbers

Created by
MathyCathy
Spice up your warm-up time by using a "4-Corners" strategy. Using 4 different sets of similar problems, students work individually on a brief set of problems (students don't realize that there are 4 different versions of the problems yet!) Then, after a few minutes of independent work, send students to each of the 4 corners of the classroom according to the small clip art on his or her warm-up sheet to compare and discuss answers. Come back together as a class to discuss solutions and questions.
Preview of April Fool's Day Cumulative 6th Math Quiz! Different Problems Have SAME ANSWER!

April Fool's Day Cumulative 6th Math Quiz! Different Problems Have SAME ANSWER!

Created by
MathyCathy
Want to sneak a cumulative Math 6 review in, but have a little April Fool's fun in the process? This cumulative "quiz" is just the trick! Nine problems in this review "quiz" address the concepts listed below, which are aligned to the 6th Grade Math Texas TEKS (state standards) to help students prepare for state testing, the Math 6 STAAR Exam. The funny part is that every problem has the exact same answer - NINE! A sample key is included. Watch students as they start to see the pattern in their
Preview of Using Chip Models to Discover Integer Addition Rules

Using Chip Models to Discover Integer Addition Rules

Created by
MathyCathy
This activity guides students through the rules for adding integers using a visual approach. Using "chips" and the concept of "zero pairs", students will generalize rules for adding pairs of integers whose signs are different by examining patterns. A simple but effective approach, since students can "see" what's going on! Enjoy!
Preview of April Fool's Day Cumulative  4th Math Quiz! Different Problems Have SAME ANSWER!

April Fool's Day Cumulative 4th Math Quiz! Different Problems Have SAME ANSWER!

Created by
MathyCathy
Want to sneak a cumulative Math 4 review in, but have a little April Fool's fun in the process? This cumulative "quiz" is just the trick! Nine problems in this review "quiz" address the concepts listed below, which are aligned to the 4th Grade Math Texas TEKS (state standards) to help students prepare for state testing, the Math 4 STAAR Exam. The funny part is that every problem has the exact same answer - 112! A sample key is included. Watch students as they start to see the pattern in their a
Preview of 4-Corners Activity: 1-Step Equations & Inequalities with Negatives

4-Corners Activity: 1-Step Equations & Inequalities with Negatives

Created by
MathyCathy
Spice up your warm-up time by using a "4-Corners" strategy. Using 4 different sets of similar problems, students work individually on a brief set of problems (students don't realize that there are 4 different versions of the problems yet!) Then, after a few minutes of independent work, send students to each of the 4 corners of the classroom according to the small card suit on his or her warm-up sheet to compare and discuss answers. Come back together as a class to discuss solutions and questi
Preview of Foldable Note-Taking Guide Order of Operations GEMS (Includes Accessible Font!)

Foldable Note-Taking Guide Order of Operations GEMS (Includes Accessible Font!)

Created by
MathyCathy
My favorite thing about using foldable note-taking guides is the PRIDE students take in completing them. There's something different about a tactile resource versus an expected and typical "worksheet" for taking notes. This foldable will help make the process of learning how to simplify expressions using the correct Order of Operations easier for students to digest! Since PEMDAS often breeds misconceptions (such as, that multiplication is performed BEFORE division... not true!) many have modifi
Preview of 4-Corners Activity: Order of Operations / Simplify Expressions SPICE UP WARM-UPS

4-Corners Activity: Order of Operations / Simplify Expressions SPICE UP WARM-UPS

Created by
MathyCathy
Spice up your warm-up time and add a low-stakes formative assessment strategy to your repertoire! Get students moving and talking about math (and possibly arguing about math) by using this "4-Corners" strategy! Using 4 different sets of similar problems included here, students FIRST work individually on a brief set of problems. Students may not realize that there are 4 different versions of the problems floating around the classroom just yet! Then, after a few minutes of independent work, se
Preview of DOTS game - Integer Addition Practice in Pairs

DOTS game - Integer Addition Practice in Pairs

Created by
MathyCathy
I remember filling a sheet of paper with "dots" and playing this classic paper-pencil game as a kid. Two players take turns connecting dots either vertically or horizontally with a line segment. When a player closes a square, he/she prints his/her initial in the square... you know the drill :-) This activity takes this classic game further by incorporating integer addition practice. Enjoy.
Preview of "4 WAYS" - Encourage Students to Think Creatively & Flexibly in Math Class!

"4 WAYS" - Encourage Students to Think Creatively & Flexibly in Math Class!

Created by
MathyCathy
Encouraging students to think deeply about mathematics is a goal of every math teacher. One strategy I enjoy is the "4 WAYS" strategy. Students are presented with a problem and asked to try to solve it 4 DIFFERENT yet CORRECT ways. This strategy challenges students to use various representations. The challenge is irresistible, and often students want to try solving the problem MORE than 4 ways! Included in this bundle are sample problems/topics and sample keys for your consideration. The v
Preview of 1-Step Equations:  Show Your Work!  Helpful Template

1-Step Equations: Show Your Work! Helpful Template

Created by
MathyCathy
The battle begins! Students are learning how to solve basic equations in one variable, and the problems are "so easy" they can "do it in their heads" and don't want to show work! Here is a strategy that has helped me get students to show the work I really want. Very adaptable - especially useful as a supplement to typical textbook worksheets that don't provide students any room to show the work we so desperately want to see!
Preview of Real Number Properties Conversation Starters! Helps Students Notice Patterns

Real Number Properties Conversation Starters! Helps Students Notice Patterns

Created by
MathyCathy
Some folks say mathematics is the study of patterns, and this resource will help students notice and generalize mathematical truths they can apply henceforth... real number properties! Copy this 2-sided sheet and provide one to each student. Consider some silent think-time for students to work each strategically-chosen problem set, then notice some mathematical truths such as: • Adding zero to a number doesn't change the answer!• Changing the order of factors when I multiply doesn't change the
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About the store

Experience

I've never been able to stick with the textbook...! I have over 20 years of experience teaching mathematics to middle and high school students, as well as serving as a Math Coach. In these roles, I impacted thousands of students and their teachers in one of Pennsylvania's largest districts. In 2012, I relocated to Austin, Texas, where I've taught Math 8, Math 8 Accelerated, RTI Math, and Algebra I in a 1:1 iPad classroom. Check out my blog for classroom happenings! http://www.mathycathy.com

Teaching style

My high-energy teaching style and commitment to engaging all learners ensure a variety of instructional techniques and materials. The resources I create evolve based on my students' specific needs and my goal of keeping them engaged and excited about mathematics. Rather than keeping all the classroom fun to myself, I take pride in sharing these classroom-tested resources here on TPT so that students around the world can benefit. I hope you can sense my dedication as you explore the diverse materials I've posted here with your own aspiring mathematicians!

Awards & shining teacher moments

I'm so proud to be a math educator! To explore some of my accolades, visit this Media & Mentions list, which features published articles and video media of news stories and keynote addresses at a variety of professional conferences. I'm especially proud of my ShadowCon talk at NCTM - it's a great place to start on this list! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/137ay9dShzcYDn8bB3wCIjjZ2sYucGwR0PG_4nZeKg04/edit?usp=sharing

My own education history

I received my Bachelor of Science in Education at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Secondary Education/Mathematics. I received my Master of Science in Education from Wilkes University in Classroom Technology.

Additional biographical information

Middle school mathematics is my greatest passion! I began my teaching career in Pennsylvania, working exclusively with 7th graders for six years. I also taught SAT Preparation courses through Penn State Lehigh Valley and worked with potential first-generation college students in a Saturday and summer program, also through Penn State. Over the years, I have engaged in extensive private math tutoring with students ranging from grades 6 through 12. After a three-year period as a stay-at-home mom, I returned to full-time teaching as a math coach/specialist, collaborating with teachers and students across three middle schools in one of Pennsylvania's largest school districts. In 2012, I moved to Austin, Texas, where I currently teach 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (and occasionally a few accelerated 5th or 4th graders) in my own 1:1 iPad classroom. I admit it — I can’t *just* stick with a textbook! Since the beginning of my career, I have consistently developed my own educational materials tailored to meet student needs, enhance engagement, foster dialogue, and promote conceptual understanding. Many of these effective resources are available here on TPT. Thank you for stopping by!