The other day, my teenage kids admitted to me that I was right. Trust me, this doesn’t happen often! So it warrants a quick post. My kids admitted to me that it turns out that knowing your times tables does really help you in whatever math class you’re taking. That’s because after you learn your […]
Author Archives: Brian Crawford
Being comfortable with numbers
I’ve been creating educational products for students for some time now, and I’ve discovered something about learning mathematics that I think is important. What’s important in learning math isn’t whether or not you’re good at math, it’s whether or not you think you’re good at math. When students start learning mathematics at a young age, […]
Viewing a rocket launch
Making an infographic
Our son was given an interesting assignment in his chemistry class this week. The teacher asked the students in his class to come up with an interesting scientific question. Our son, who took a course on DNA at Duke Tip, has become interested in DNA and genetics, so he chose to explore whether or not […]
Autumn math scene
A few years ago we shared this post, which featured a free printable where students could use their addition skills to add ornaments and other festive decorations to a Christmas tree. We received some positive feedback on that activity. Since the fall season is officially upon us, I’ve created a new math scene for autumn. […]
Halloween poem and writing activity
It is officially autumn, and October is fast approaching. The leaves are changing color, the air is crisp and cool, and it’s time to break out the jeans and jackets! Unless you live in Florida like we do, that is. Still, the coming of October means that Halloween is going to be on people’s minds. […]
Using colored paper for printables
Here’s a quick and clean teaching tip (because fresh photocopies are clean, not dirty)! It will already be familiar to many teachers, but it can’t hurt to share it anyway. When you are photocopying printables for your students, use a variety of different colored paper! It is always fun to have the children in your […]
Teaching kids who learn in different ways
It’s time for a quick tip! One of the drawbacks of the education system in North America is that it is not personalized. Teachers will have a class of, say, 30 students, each with his or her own personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. Some students will learn by reading. Others will learn by listening. Still others […]
Keeping a reading log
Reading is learning. Once you know how to read, the doors swing open to a world full of knowledge, understanding, and entertainment. That’s why it is important to get children reading and improving upon their reading comprehension skills throughout their formative years. One way to encourage kids to read and to build upon their enjoyment […]
Five benefits of Duke TIP Summer Studies Programs
This summer, our son, a rising eighth grader, went to Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina for a Duke TIP Center for Summer Studies program. In order to qualify for this intensive three-week program he had to attain a certain score on the SAT test – which he did. As he is a big fan […]