The "AHA" Moment Every Teacher Lives For
As teachers, we live for those special moments when a student’s hard work finally clicks into place. They don’t come often, but when they do, it reminds us of why we do what we do.
I recently experienced one of those moments that completely made my day!
For a long time, my students have struggled with multi-step word problems. It’s no surprise—the textbooks feel overwhelming, with small print and confusing layouts that don’t really cater to different learning styles. So, I’ve found myself modifying everything in the math curriculum to make it more accessible and engaging for my students.
Just last week, I was working with one of my math groups using my 2-step word problem practice sheets when one of my students, who typically struggles with math, had a breakthrough. After completing his work, he handed it to me with a huge smile and asked, “That was great! Can I have another one?” Hearing that from a student who had previously found this skill so challenging was a heartwarming reminder of how impactful the right resources can be.
It’s moments like these that show me the progress my students are making with these word problem practice sheets. I’ve created a variety of worksheets that break down the steps in a clear, manageable way. They’ve been so helpful for my students, and I’ve bundled them in my TPT shop to make them easier for you to access at a discount.
Teaching math to Special Education students can be challenging, especially when you’re working with a range of abilities. I teach three different grades, with students whose skills vary from Kindergarten level all the way to a 4th-grade math whiz. Finding ways to meet each student’s unique needs while keeping lessons engaging is no easy task! That’s why I’m always looking for strategies that make both our teaching and our students’ learning experiences more effective and enjoyable. If you’d like to brainstorm ideas to help your students reach those "aha" moments, feel free to email me—I’m happy to help!
