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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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All resources

Preview of 4-Corners Activity:  Solving One-Step Equations & Inequalities

4-Corners Activity: Solving One-Step Equations & Inequalities

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

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

Created by
MathyCathy
Want to sneak a cumulative review in, but have a little April Fool's fun in the process? This "quiz" is just the trick! Enjoy this original version of a resource I dreamed up YEARS ago! BUT... if you're looking for a similar resource that is grade-specific and aligned to standards, check out these ✨NEW reviews to use on April 1, or literally ❤️ANY day you need to review and want to get a chuckle out of your students!APRIL FOOL'S for MATH 4APRIL FOOL'S for MATH 5APRIL FOOL'S for MATH 6APRIL FO
Preview of BINGO Translating Algebraic Variable Expressions and Word Phrases

BINGO Translating Algebraic Variable Expressions and Word Phrases

Created by
MathyCathy
Great activity to keep all students engaged while practicing an all-important problem-solving skill. Students randomly select variable expressions from a list, then the teacher describes each expression in words within a problem-solving context. This practice with translating is a key skill to real-world problem-solving! You might also like: Ratios and Rates Graphic Organizer This Solving Equations "Write-Around" Linear Systems Problem Solving with Unique Graphic Organizer! Fractions Pape
Preview of Congruent Figures Naming Corresponding Parts Geometry

Congruent Figures Naming Corresponding Parts Geometry

Created by
MathyCathy
Brief notes and definitions introduce the concept of congruent figures and their corresponding parts. Then, students can apply the definitions individually or in groups using the shapes sheet that follows. Teacher notes provided for classroom implementation and "tips"!
Preview of Algebra 1 Math Warm-Ups Galore! REVIEW & Encourage Error Analysis & Reflection

Algebra 1 Math Warm-Ups Galore! REVIEW & Encourage Error Analysis & Reflection

Created by
MathyCathy
Included in this bundle are 6 weeks worth of daily Algebra 1 math warm-ups. Student versions and teacher versions are included, as well as detailed teacher notes to guide procedures encouraging student reflection and error analysis! Problems are based on Algebra 1 math TEKS but may be appropriate for use with grades 7 through 10. Problem types include short answer, multiple choice, and "gridded response". Consider print copies, or use PDFs to annotate on iPads! I have developed this syste
Preview of Paper Foldable Math Graphic Organizers 20 pages Active Note Taking

Paper Foldable Math Graphic Organizers 20 pages Active Note Taking

Created by
MathyCathy
Ask students to take out their notebooks to take notes, and brace yourself for moans and groans. Photocopy these templates on colorful paper and hand out the scissors... and brace yourself for a classroom full of actively-engaged and focused students! Students take pride in creating a "product" that helps them organize their thinking as well as study. Included in this math pack are interactive paper foldable graphic organizers for: * A brainstorm for operation words (words in problem solvi
Preview of Square Roots and Perfect Squares:  Making Connections Discovery

Square Roots and Perfect Squares: Making Connections Discovery

Created by
MathyCathy
Students feel empowered when they construct their own understanding of a new mathematical concept. Rather than give students a textbook definition of "perfect square" or "square root", I've used this resource to help them discover the concepts themselves. With or without a calculator, students are guided to simplify various squares and square roots. Then, students are asked to try to explain the concepts and define them in their own words. Whether students will be asked to use a calculat
Preview of Finding Equation of a Line Through 2 Points "Chunking" Activity

Finding Equation of a Line Through 2 Points "Chunking" Activity

Created by
MathyCathy
My 8th grade students really benefit from taking a multi-step process and "chunking" the task into smaller, structured parts. This resource worked well to help simplify the process of finding the equation of a line through two given points with an emphasis on slope-intercept form. Enjoy.
Preview of Coordinate Plane: Graphing Ordered Pairs Formative Assessment and Extension!

Coordinate Plane: Graphing Ordered Pairs Formative Assessment and Extension!

Created by
MathyCathy
Most of my students have plotted points before, but the basics often escape them! I give this to students prior to instruction to see what they can do. It's a great way to quickly see what they already know, and give gentle reminders about the axes, quadrants, and that the order matters when plotting points... not to mention, when numbering axes, the number represents the hash mark, not the space between hash marks! Ahh, the little things! :-) At a glance, you will be able to see who "gets
Preview of Middle School Math Warm-Ups Galore! Encourage Error Analysis & Reflection

Middle School Math Warm-Ups Galore! Encourage Error Analysis & Reflection

Created by
MathyCathy
Included in this bundle are 10 weeks worth of daily math warm-ups. Student versions and teacher versions are included, as well as detailed teacher notes to guide procedures encouraging student reflection and error analysis! Problems are based on 8th grade math TEKS but may be appropriate for use with grades 6 through 9. Problem types include short answer, multiple choice, and "gridded response". Consider print copies, or use PDFs to annotate on iPads! I have developed this system of admin
Preview of "I Have... Who Has...?" Algebraic Variable Expressions Activity

"I Have... Who Has...?" Algebraic Variable Expressions Activity

Created by
MathyCathy
Translating verbal phrases to variable expressions and vice-versa can be challenging to the new Algebra student. Create a climate of fun with this classroom activity - every student has a turn to speak, and all students must pay attention for their own phrase to be called! Activity cycles back to the first card. Time yourselves to see which class can complete the round the fastest! You're invited to stop by my classroom anytime at mathycathy.com/blog!
Preview of "Write-Around" Solving Equations Distributive Property ENGAGE STUDENTS

"Write-Around" Solving Equations Distributive Property ENGAGE STUDENTS

Created by
MathyCathy
"Write-Around" is a strategy I enjoy using when Algebra becomes "multi-step"! Groups of no more than 5 students are given these sheets such that every student starts with a different problem. Each student only solves the NEXT step of the problem, passing the paper on to the next person to complete the NEXT step. Detailed instructions are on the top of each of these "Write-Around" sheets. Very often, I will choose one problem from each group to actually grade, warning the students ahead of ti
Preview of Mystery Scale Factor Challenges: Area & Perimeter of Similar Figures TEKS 8.10D

Mystery Scale Factor Challenges: Area & Perimeter of Similar Figures TEKS 8.10D

Created by
MathyCathy
Aligned to Math 8 TEKS 8.10D Help your students truly understand how a scale factor affects the area and perimeter of similar figures — not just memorize formulas! This hands-on, discovery-based resource guides students to uncover the relationships for themselves, then apply their understanding through practice and collaboration. What’s Included:Area Discovery Worksheet — Students investigate how changing side lengths by a scale factor k impacts area ( A → A × k² ).Perimeter Discovery Workshe
Preview of SIMPLE INTEREST Financial Literacy Foldable Note-Taking Guide & Problem Solving

SIMPLE INTEREST Financial Literacy Foldable Note-Taking Guide & Problem Solving

Created by
MathyCathy
This foldable guide will help students understand some financial jargon! Included in this financial literacy guide are defined variables and problem-solving examples for which students: * Solve for the simple interest, I * Solve for the principal, P * Solve for the interest rate, r * Solve for the number of years, t * Calculate the total amount owed (P + I) A sample key is provided for your convenience. Thank You! Cathy
Preview of MATH 8 TEKS STAAR Review Warm-Ups Galore!  Encourage Error Analysis & Reflection

MATH 8 TEKS STAAR Review Warm-Ups Galore! Encourage Error Analysis & Reflection

Created by
MathyCathy
Ready to review for the Math 8 STAAR using bite-sized daily warm-ups? Here you go! Included in this bundle are 8 weeks worth! Every one of the 40 unique problems included here aligns to one of the 40 assessed Math 8 TEKS (and every problem is clearly labeled with the TEKS standard to which it aligns for your reference)! Student versions and sample teacher keys are included, as well as detailed teacher notes to guide procedures encouraging student reflection and error analysis! These are
Preview of SET IT UP!  Equations ~ Defining One Variable In Terms of Another

SET IT UP! Equations ~ Defining One Variable In Terms of Another

Created by
MathyCathy
This resource helps students practice setting up equations by defining one variable in terms of another. Various scenarios are presented with clear instructions to only use one variable. Students write "LET Statements" and set up appropriate equations. Though the directions say not to solve the equations, I wouldn't stop a curious student from taking the next step! :-) Answer key is also included. Enjoy!
Preview of Problem-Solving Using Digital Photography: "The Math Cam" Template

Problem-Solving Using Digital Photography: "The Math Cam" Template

Created by
MathyCathy
Start to Focus Students’ “Mathematical Lens” with the Math Cam Template! The Math Cam template encourages students to start looking at the world through a mathematical lens. Every day, we encounter mathematical curiosities that are so easily dismissed, yet have great potential to bring real-world problem solving into our mathematics classrooms. Our students have never been better equipped with technological tools to record these moments. Taking a picture and filming a brief video clip are oc
Preview of "Write-Around": Solving Equations Combining Like Terms ENGAGE STUDENTS

"Write-Around": Solving Equations Combining Like Terms ENGAGE STUDENTS

Created by
MathyCathy
"Write-Around" is a strategy I enjoy using when Algebra becomes "multi-step"! Groups of no more than 5 students are given these sheets such that every student starts with a different problem. Each student only solves the NEXT step of the problem, passing the paper on to the next person to complete the NEXT step. Detailed instructions are on the top of each of these "Write-Around" sheets. Very often, I will choose one problem from each group to actually grade, warning the students ahead of ti
Preview of "Write-Around" Solving Multi-Step Equations Various ENGAGE STUDENTS

"Write-Around" Solving Multi-Step Equations Various ENGAGE STUDENTS

Created by
MathyCathy
"Write-Around" is a strategy I enjoy using when Algebra becomes "multi-step"! Groups of no more than 5 students are given these sheets such that every student starts with a different problem. Each student only solves the NEXT step of the problem, passing the paper on to the next person to complete the NEXT step. Detailed instructions are on the top of each of these "Write-Around" sheets. Very often, I will choose one problem from each group to actually grade, warning the students ahead of ti
Preview of Classifying Polynomials Matching Activity

Classifying Polynomials Matching Activity

Created by
MathyCathy
Cut out the slips of paper provided, and have students work in cooperative groups to match each polynomial to its description and classification. Have students glue the matched answers to a sheet of paper and grade it as an informal assessment. Resource is organized as its own answer key before being cut. Enjoy!
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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!