Why Open-Ended Math Questions Are a Game Changer in Grades 1–2

Once you start using open-ended math prompts, you’ll wonder how you ever taught without them. These questions instantly get kids talking and in the best possible way. Instead of searching for a single correct answer, students dive into exploring different ways to show their thinking, justify their choices, and play with numbers.

In my classroom, these prompts have sparked some of our richest math conversations. I’ve watched quiet students suddenly open up, confident learners push their thinking even deeper, and everyone find an entry point. It’s amazing what happens when the pressure of “right or wrong” disappears. If you like my Which One Doesn't Belong WODB activities, you'll love these!

Why Open-Ended Questions Work

One of my favorite comparisons to make is this:

Traditional Question:
“There are 10 cookies. 7 are chocolate chip. How many are sugar?”

Open-Ended Version:
“There are 10 cookies. Some are sugar, some are chocolate chip. How many of each could I have?”

One question… so many possibilities! And that’s exactly the point.

Open-ended math prompts encourage students to:

• Explore multiple solutions

• Justify their thinking

• Show their work in different ways

• Reveal strategies, number sense, and creativity

• Develop confidence because there truly isn’t one “right” answer

These questions naturally lead to deeper math conversations, whether it’s whole group, small group, or independent work.

Model, Model, Model: What This Looks Like in My Classroom

I can’t stress this enough: modeling is everything. Before students can successfully work independently, they need to see how we think through open-ended tasks. Before students can fly independently, they need your guidance and lots of it!

Here’s a real example from one of our Morning Meeting activities (7 minutes!)

What I learned from this ONE prompt:

• A student who wrote “It is even” opened the door for a quick odd/even mini-lesson

• Another student wrote 2 × 10, which told me they were ready for an enrichment conversation later . Definitely not whole-group material! (This also helps keep parents who want enrichment satisfied...the proof is right in front of them in their child's responses.  Sometimes, the parents who speak the loudest have children who only write one response and a simple one at that.)

• Loved the word problem especially that the question was included!  Impressed!

• The last answer offered was a boy who asked if he added all pennies, could he get to 20? He came up and proved himself right!

• The child counting by 2s got up to 10 and then stuck. Called on a friend to not only help him but I asked student to show us how he knew the rest using the 100 chart.

• I gained insight into who was using mental math, who was drawing, who needed manipulatives, and who was/wasn't taking risks.

This quick warm-up turned into such rich discussion that I repeated the same question the following morning as our Do-Now. Some students got the same sheet while others chose their own “answer” number — from 3 all the way to 1,000! Differentiation built right in.

The Big Benefits of Open-Ended Math Questions

Open-ended questions support learning far beyond “show me what you know.” They build thinking habits, meaningful math talk, and confidence.

🌟 Critical Thinking

Students analyze, sort, compare, reason, and justify.

🌟 Language Development

Math vocabulary becomes natural during turn-and-talks.

🌟 Growth Mindset

When there’s no single “correct” answer, students feel safe trying ideas and taking risks.

🌟 Differentiation Made Easy

Every learner can enter the task, no matter where they are.

🌟 Engagement & Motivation

Kids feel like detectives or explainers. Even shy students love sharing their ideas.

🌟 Social-Emotional Skills

Students practice listening, communicating, explaining, and respecting different perspectives.

🌟 Assessment-Friendly

You instantly see misconceptions, strategies, and confidence levels.

🌟 Teacher-Friendly

Quick prep. High impact. Perfect for busy mornings, transitions, or sub plans.

How to Use Open-Ended Questions in Your Classroom

These prompts can fit easily into your day anywhere:

• Morning Work or Do-Nows

• Morning Meeting warm-ups

• Whole-group number talks

• Turn and talk

• Small-group instruction

• Independent work / WIN Time / Homework

• Homeschool / Enrichment /Summer Push / Tutoring

You can use them every day. Some days as discussion, some days as written work, and many days as both.

A Peek Inside the December Set

Want to see what’s inside the December packet?

What Teachers Are Saying

One of the biggest benefits of open-ended math questions and the one teachers appreciate the most is that differentiation and visible effort are both built right in. These prompts don’t just show what a child knows; they show how deeply they’re willing to think. Since I started using them, I rarely (if ever!) get questions about math enrichment because parents can see their child’s capabilities, effort level, and perseverance immediately. When you share a glimpse of whole-class responses, the contrast becomes crystal clear.

My students know my expectation: go deep, think hard, and show everything you’ve got. So when a high-achieving student responds to “What do you know about 62?” with just 60 + 2, that speaks volumes. Open-ended questions make that visible. They reveal thinking, habits, and effort in ways a traditional worksheet never could. And that transparency is transformative for students, teachers, and parents alike.

NOTE: When I first introduce these, my high flyers DO NOT LIKE THEM.  Why?  They like getting one answer.  The right answer.  Takes them a while to warm up but I promise you they do!  They love the challenge.  They all do.  And this is FIRST GRADE!!!

Want the Whole Year?

If you're ready to save time and have meaningful math prompts at your fingertips, the Open-Ended Questions Bundle includes:

• All monthly packets

• PLUS all the same prompts but sorted into strands like Number Sense, Geometry, Measurement, etc, which are the ones I prefer to use now.

You can grab just the December set here if you prefer or click on pics above for the money-saving bundle. The more opportunities we give kids to think, the more they show us who they are as mathematicians. Open-ended questions make that possible every single day.  

Enjoy!

Why ‘Which One Doesn’t Belong?’ Is the Smartest 5-Minute Routine in My Classroom

Every once in a while, you stumble on an activity that just clicks with your students. And for me, that’s Which One Doesn’t Belong? These quick little slides spark so much conversation, curiosity, and deep thinking in my classroom. The best part? There’s no single right answer. My first graders love sharing their thinking, spotting patterns I never would’ve noticed, and backing up their ideas with evidence. It’s critical thinking wrapped in fun and it’s become a daily favorite activity.

Why WODB Works

What makes these slides so powerful? They foster a growth mindset, invite deeper thinking, and value every student's voice. There isn't just one correct answer. Kids quickly learn that math is about noticing patterns and making connections not just getting the ‘right’ answer. It’s also a built-in formative assessment tool: I can instantly see who’s applying the skills taught so far this year.

Here are a few of my students’ actual explanations.

Using Them in My Classroom

I use WODB slides for morning work, number talks, mini-lessons, or literacy warm-ups. They’re perfect for partners, centers, early finishers, independent work or even sub plans. The black-and-white printables make it easy to send home or slip into journals. Have a few minutes?  These are a perfect quick activity with a big payoff! 

Give WODB a Try for Free

What Others Are Saying

I'm not the only one who loves using them in my classroom!  Take a look at what other's have said about using my Which One Doesn't Belong Slides:

If you’re looking for an easy way to boost math talks, build reasoning skills, and sneak in some formative assessment without it feeling like “work,” give Which One Doesn’t Belong? a try this month.

Have you used WODB in your classroom?  Does your class love them as much as mine?  Let me know!

How I Taught One Teacher to Love Poetry

About 10 years ago, a new teacher walked into my room and looked at the poem up on my projector. She rolled her eyes.  "I HATE poetry!" 

😖Hate poetry?  Eek!

Then she explained. "My Second Grade teacher made us memorize about 30 poems a year."

Ohhhhhh. Now I got it.

I’d probably hate poetry too if I’d been forced to memorize poem after poem!

Over the next few months, I started sharing my poems, philosophy, and favorite poetry activities with her. Little by little, something changed. She began using poems to support her readers and connect to other parts of the curriculum. And soon, she loved the poetry binders her students couldn’t get enough of.

And the best part? I learned from her, too. Her feedback and fresh perspective gave me new ideas I hadn’t thought of before.

A New Way to See Poetry

In my classroom, we use poems almost every day but not in the drill-and-kill kind of way. Here’s what I learned early on:

Don’t dissect every poem or turn every poem into a lesson.

When poetry becomes “work, work, work,” students lose the joy.
Instead, we read poems for many reasons but mostly to enjoy them.
To soak in the rhythm, rhyme, wordplay, and imagery.

Sometimes I teach from a poem, but usually it’s because of what students notice and wonder about on their own. And believe me, there are soooo many noticings that happen in a first grade classroom!

Why I Make Time for Poetry (Even When There’s No Time)

Like you, I have limited minutes in my day.

So I’m always looking for lessons that can double, triple, or even quadruple dip into other curriculum areas and poetry is it!

Poems can build:

• Fluency

• Phonics and vocabulary

• Comprehension

• Writing inspiration

• Social-emotional connections

And best of all, they invite students to play with language. That's something every young learner needs more of.

Here are a few examples of the students' "noticings" that led to a short mini-lesson.

By the end of the year, about 90% of my students say their Poetry Binders were their favorite part of first grade.

I think it’s because they get to Buddy Read the poems, revisit old favorites, and enjoy them anytime throughout the day.

Those binders build reading confidence. That’s why, year after year, my little ones name our poems as one of their favorite memories and classroom activities.

Every teacher uses poems in different ways.  Here are all the ways I have used them throughout the year.  Some of these I use all of the time. Others? Maybe it just fit my needs once or twice.

I've sold thousands of my poetry packets and bundles. They have a proven track record.

Still not convinced poems fit into your day or vision for your classroom?  Try this set for FREE!

If you end of loving what it adds to your classroom, you may want to invest in the BUNDLE of Monthly Poems.  A great value especially knowing that you can use the poems (PDF or Google Slides) over and over again.

If you haven’t tried poetry in your classroom yet, start with just one poem. See what your students notice, what they laugh at, what they remember. Then come back and tell me how it goes. I’d love to hear all about it!💛

A Simple Trick for Learning Students’ Names

Learning every student’s name, and pronouncing it correctly, is one of the simplest but most powerful ways to build community in the classroom. On the first day of school (which was just 2 days ago) I always use a little trick to help me get it right every time and it will help you, too.

Why Names Matter

Names are more than labels. They’re part of our identity. When we pronounce a child’s name correctly, it shows respect, builds trust, and communicates that they belong in our classroom. Even the youngest students notice when we get their names right and families deeply appreciate the effort.

My Go-To Trick

On the first day of school, I ask each student to say their name while I record it on my phone. Later, I take the recordings home and practice. Hearing the names directly from my students helps me master pronunciations quickly and confidently.  (I admit to still writing down a few names phonetically based on how THEY pronounced it on the video to help me the next day!)  I tape everyone even though it's only about 5-6 student names that I need help with. A quick 30 second total video is all that's needed!

The Payoff

This small routine makes a big impact. Students smile when they hear their names spoken correctly, and it sets a positive tone for the year. It helps establish strong relationships and a sense of community and belonging from the start.

Try It Yourself

If you struggle with names or teach a large group of students, give this simple trick a try. A few minutes of listening and practicing can make all the difference in helping your students feel valued and seen.

NOTE:  Earlier on in my career, I would say the child's name on the first day and they'd tell me it's correct when it wasn't.  Many don't want to contradict a teacher. I'd find out later that I wasn't saying it properly and would feel terrible.

I hope your year is off to a good start.  I've only had two days but I'm already feeling a sense of community.  Sweet kids!  I have 20 this year.  How about you? 

✨ Put a Little Magic in the First Day of School (Right After Lunch!)

The first day of school can feel like a whirlwind. By the time lunch is over, everyone’s minds and bodies have been working hard. That’s why I love to build in a little magic moment after lunch to re-energize my students without overwhelming them.

Enter… Magic Play Clay or Play-Doh.  (Download for FREE!)

Make Your Own

How It Works

Before students return from lunch, place a small ball of white clay (can be store-bought but I make my own) on each desk. Tell them this is no ordinary clay. It’s magic clay that will change color when they make a First Grade Wish once they squish, roll, and stretch it.(In the baggie at first until mixed!)

As they begin working the clay in their baggie, the hidden color inside will start to appear. The transformation is quick, fun, and totally mesmerizing! (The secret: hide a little food coloring in the middle of each clay ball before class.)

Keep in baggie UNTIL all mixed well.  This way, won't stain anything. They must get my verbal OK before they can take out of bag.

Why It’s Perfect for After Lunch

• Calms the energy after recess and the bustle of the cafeteria.

• Gives students a shared, fun and giggly experience in the middle of a big day.

• Sparks conversation without the pressure of a formal activity.

Add a Creative Twist

Once the color has fully appeared, I let them take it our of the baggie and challenge students to shape their clay into something:

• Spell their name or initials with it

• An object that starts with the first letter of their name

• Make an animal out of it

• Free play! Let them do what they want with it

Let them share with a partner or small group. It’s a fun way to build community and get everyone talking again.

It’s simple. It’s magical. And it gives your first day the perfect dose of wonder… right when your students need it most.

Full directions, poems and a class book you can use as well linked above.  Enjoy! 

10 September Essentials Every First & Second Grade Teacher Needs (and They’re on SALE!)

September is almost here and if you’re anything like me, you’re looking for easy, ready-to-go resources to keep your days smooth and your students engaged.

So I’ve rounded up my 10 September Essentials...the things I reach for year after year.

And here’s the best part…

💸 They’re all going to be an extra 25% off during the TpT sitewide sale!
Grab them now, and you’re set for the whole month (and beyond). All of these for only 17.63 today! That's saving $24!

🍎 My Top 10 September Must-Haves

1. Morning Meeting Slides – Start the day calm, connected, building community and ready to learn.

2. Fall-Themed Math Number Sense Centers – Hands-on and no-prep for instant engagement. Use any time of the year.

3. Writing Pick-a-Prompt – Perfect for early finishers or writing stations. After I model a few for them, they can do these early on! Trust the process.  (I allow pictures only if they want and then they orally share.)

4. September Goals and Craft – SIMPLE craft, instant Bulletin Board. Can you or not use goal. Up to you!

5. The Power of Yet Bulletin Board – Mine stays up all year. Read about it here.

6. September Class Books – Several books included. Differentiated. They go in class library and we divide them up at the end of the year.

7. September Open-Ended Math Questions – I LOVE these! Perfect easier ones to start the year off right with deep thinking skills.

8. September Crowns – I've included so many options! Fun! 

9. Which One Doesn't Belong? – A favorite class activity! 

10. Editable Slideshow – For Back-to-School Night, Open House...ANY slideshow you need!

and although free, I've included my 20 September Poems and Songs so they are all in one place. 

💡 Why These Work

• They save time – Less planning, more teaching.

• They keep kids engaged – Seasonal themes = instant buy-in.

• They’re flexible – Use whole group, small group, or independently.

✨ Don’t Miss the Sale

If you’ve had any of these on your wishlist, now’s the time. During the sale, you’ll save big plus they’re already budget-friendly to start with!

I'm off to buy some clip art at the TpT sale...

The Only Way to Learn Math? Do the Math!

There’s a quote I recently turned into a poster for our classroom:

“Math is not a spectator sport. The only way to learn math is to do math.”

And let me tell you, it’s so true in first grade.

You can have the cutest anchor charts, the brightest manipulatives, and the cleverest chants and songs...But until kids are actually solving problems by thinking, trying, struggling, doing, they're not really learning math.

Math is often messy! That's a good thing!

Click pic to download. 

🎯 What “Doing Math” Looks Like in First Grade

“Doing math” doesn’t mean sitting quietly and getting everything right. It looks like:

• Kids talking through a strategy with a partner

• Hands-on manipulatives: using counters, fingers, ten frames, etc., and then talking through strategies

• Getting an answer wrong, but being able to explain their thinking

• Drawing several different versions of the same story problem until it clicks

• Hearing “This is hard!” followed by “Ohhh wait, I got it!”

• Working with partners via "games" and learning how to be an ENGAGED partner

• reworking problems over and over again until success

• GRIT

These moments matter more than a perfect worksheet.

My Real-Life Math Moments

Highs:

• When a student who’s been unsure suddenly explains a strategy to a classmate and lights up like a firework

• When math journals are messy—but FULL of thinking

• When they make up their own word problems and giggle at their wild scenarios (I’ve had unicorns eating 7 cupcakes and flying away with 2...)

Lows (but still learning):

• When kids erase their work because it “looks wrong”

• When they give up too quickly and say “I don’t get it!” without even trying

• When a fast finisher calls out the answer and others stop thinking

That’s where I come back to:

“The only way to learn math is to do math.”

I remind my class: Mistakes are part of the process. We don’t watch math. We do math.

 Ideas to Get Kids Doing the Math

Here are some easy, go-to strategies I love:

• Math Journals with open-ended prompts: “Show me 3 ways to make 10.” I'm all about the open-ended questions!

• Partner problem-solving with mini-whiteboards

• Story-based word problems with drawings and labels

• Math talks where kids explain “how they know” even if their answer is wrong. 

• Hands-on games that require thinking, not just speed

• Infusing math into Morning Meeting (I use Which One Doesn't Belong as my activity once a week.)

• Providing kids with "Math Refresher Baggies" so they have other options besides "read a book" when they have a few extra minutes here and there.

None of these are fancy. But they work because kids are engaged.

🪄 Final Thoughts

First grade math shouldn’t feel like a race to get the “right” answer. It should feel like a puzzle to figure out.

If we want our students to truly understand numbers, patterns, and problem-solving… we have to let them wrestle with it, play with it, do it.

So here’s your reminder (and mine!):
Math is not a spectator sport. Let’s give them the time and space to get in the game.