Calendar Math -- the basics

When setting up your Calendar, the first thing you will need to do is look at your state standards.  Ask yourself, what are those key standards, that I teach once or twice, and the kids just don't seem to get it?  For me, things like place value, prime and composite numbers, factors, and multiplication and division of larger numbers and fractions came to mind.  Those were the things I wanted to put on my Calendar.  I go through my standard (which, at this point are Common Core Standards) and check off the really "big" ones.  Those are MUST HAVES on the Calendar Math page.

I try to pick things that I know the kids won't struggle too much with, but will also find rigorous enough to constitute new learning.  I want them to practice, not guess at answers, so I don't put finding percentages on the first level.  That would be WAY too far over their heads.  I do put simplifying fractions though, because, even though they haven't learned it formally yet, it is easy enough to teach a rote way and have them practice daily.  (which then frees me up later to teach them the concept of it all!)

Here are the actual sheets I use in 4th and 5th Grade.  You can see that there are A LOT of standards covered.  At first, this truly is a lot for the kids, but once they get good at it, it takes no more than 10 minutes.

5th Grade Daily Sheet
5th Grade Geometry
4th Grade Daily sheet
4th Grade Geometry


Click on the pages themselves to enlarge.  You will see that they are fairly similar to each other.  I have designed it that way on purpose.  I want 4th and 5th graders to see the consistency of it all. I want them to practice skills and not be bogged down in format.  So I make them all the same, with different skills plugged in.

You can click here to access BOTH the 4th and 5th Grade first level versions for free. 

teachinginroom6.blogspot.com    Teaching in Room 6Once I had all of the things on my Calendar that I felt needed daily, constant review, I then went about setting up my calendar board.  I have had many incarnations of the board.  The last few years, due to space issues, I have the templates on actual poster board.  These go up and down as I work on Calendar with the kids. 



teachinginroom6.blogspot.com    Teaching in Room 6teachinginroom6.blogspot.com    Teaching in Room 6

These are close up views of the boards I use.  These were used FIRST semester in 5th grade.  Second semester looks a *bit* different (no odd/even, for example)








But this year, I have space again in my room (different set up) and I am able to have a dedicated board!! I am so excited to have it up all day long this year.

Sometimes though, I actually just project the sheet itself on the ELMO and we review it that way.  There is no right or wrong with this part, just how you as the teacher are most comfortable.

I made a set of templates that I use in my class.  They really aren't that hard to make, and I fully encourage you to make them on your own to fit the needs of your class.  BUT, if you want to use mine that are already made, I have them available for you in my store.  You can find them here.
And while I fully encourage you to manipulate this to suit your needs, I respectfully ask that you do not repost on your own blog or TpT store.  (free or paid)  I appreciate you respecting my copyright on this.  Thank you very much.

OK...so there you have the set up.   Now, you are probably wondering how this all works in class.  I have written some more posts about it just for you!

Next up, the routine!    This post will tell you all about how I go about delivering Calendar instruction in my class. 

Or, if you would like, you can read about how to get it up and running the first week.

Here is a video I made showing the gestures and motions we use.


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I am always asked if an editable version is available.  Well, I made one for you!  It is $3 at my store but all the formatting is done and taken care of.  Just change out your standards.  It is the 5th grade version AND the 4th grade version AND the 3rd grade version.  If you teach 6th or higher, the 5th are perfect for you to edit (as they are based on CCS standards, which I know contain a lot of middle school things in other states.)  Again, you can always make your own....but I have done the work for you in case you want to go that route :)

Just so you are clear though, these are text boxes in POWER POINT that you can put your own words on if you wish (or just keep it that way!)  These are editable for you to change the actual math TASKS.  I hope that makes sense.  (I don't want anyone buying them thinking they are something they are not.  Inputting the numbers is NOT what the editing is for)

If you teach 5th grade or 4th grade I have a special treat for you.  I created a Calendar Math Starter Kit!!  This is over 300 pages of everything you need to get this amazing program started in your room.  What is awesome about it (and what I am looking forward to having for next year) is that I have prefilled the numbers in on over 4 months worth of Calendar time...so the sheets are literally print and go for your students.  You don't have to think about what numbers you will put on the Calendar sheets.  It also gives you tons of examples of how you can actually implement the program in your room.  There are editable sheets AND the templates in there for you.  It literally is all there.

I will be updating these every year for the next few years, so if you buy it once, you basically get a subscription to it!  Just click the links above.



84 comments

  1. Love this idea! I'm definitely borrowing it! I have a few questions...what do you use for the "Date Multiplication" and "Daily Equivalents?" Thanks for sharing!
    Tammi

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  2. Hi Tammy!

    For the "Date Multiplication" I take parts of the date and multiply them together. For example, today is Dec 28. So I might set up a problem 12 x 28 = for the kids to solve. I usually put a decimal or two in it as well. So I could do it 1.2 x 28 or 1.2 x 2.8 or something to that effect.

    As for the Daily Equivalents, I use the numbers in the date to create a fraction that needs to be simplified, or can be made into an equivalent. For example, using today as the date, I might make the base fraction

    12/28. The students then need to simplify it to make one equivalent fraction, and then multiply to make another equivalent fraction. Just helps them to practice simplifying and making multiples.

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  16. Hi everyone! I deleted all of the comments that had email addresses. I have emailed everyone, and figured you didn't want the addresses out there for everyone to see :)

    ~Stephanie

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  17. We actually use a curriculum called "Math Corner"! We love it! We use it for 4th & 5th grade! The kids love it too!

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  18. I like your sheet though....could you email it to me or make it public so it can be printed?

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    1. The documents above are public and ready to be downloaded! Just click on the caption...not the picture. For some reason it isn't working if you click the picture!

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  19. Thank you for the share. Can you please tell me if you have any of these available for purchase on any of the web-sites?
    teachermcneil@yahoo.com

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    1. All of the documents are available on google docs. Just click the caption below it. The templates for the bulletin board can be found for a small fee in my TpT store. Just click on the picture and it will take you there.

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  20. I love this idea. I wanted to get a copy of the worksheet that you use for the first semester and thought it would be on the TPT download, but that was just the templates to make the display. Can I get a copy of the first semester worksheet? Do you only have two worksheets? I want to add some fraction concepts like changing mixed numbers to improper fractions and back again. Again, I am a new subscriber and I love this site.

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    1. I do have a first semester sheet Allison. If you get me your email, I will get that to you. I meant to add it to the TpT packet, but forgot to go back.

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    2. I would also love a copy of the other worksheet for 5th grade. I am a new subscriber. You don't have to delete my address.
      carlymorales19@gmail.com

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    3. Hi Stephanie,
      Wow! I also love this idea and would love copies of anything you use for fifth grade. Thank you so much for sharing easy ways to reinforce math concepts! I have just stumbled upon your site and can't wait to explore further! This is certainly that time of year when I'm looking to mix things up for my students to keep their interest through the winter doldrums.
      Kate
      k8derosa@gmail.com

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  21. This is great, but I'm only able to download the 4th grade free sheet. For some reason, I am not able to download the 5th grade, second semester one nor the routine sheet. (I can view them on the download site but can't download). I'd also love the first semester of 5th grade sheet too. Can you tell me how to get these three sheets? Thanks so much!

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    1. The 5th grade sheet and the procedures should be working. Humm....I will have to check the google doc. I will do it when I get home from school (I am leaving out the door right now)

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  22. You have inspired me! Ever since I caught your Calendar Math as a pin on Pinterest I've been intrigued. After looking at your worksheet example and doing a little tweaking, I've come up with my own worksheet to use with my class. I'm rolling it out tomorrow. Can't wait! Questions may soon follow, but thank you for such a great idea.

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    1. Oh I love to hear that! I am so glad you are loving it and have made it your own. I will be here if you have any questions for sure! Please come back and let me know how it is working out for you.

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    2. I am also very inspired and plan to use this on my Smartboard so I have a busy night ahead of me!

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    3. Hello! After a couple of days working Calendar Math with my kids, I did a SMARTboard pages and am using it successfully with my kids. They're doing great! After I give them time to complete the worksheet, I pull sticks to have several students come up at a time and work the problems. Then they justify their answers to the class. It's perfect! Thanks again.

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  23. I cant get either one to pull up... any suggestions???

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    1. Humm....I am not sure. Did you click on the caption and not the picture? I think I fixed it, and it is working for me, but this tech stuff gets so iffy sometimes! I will keep working on it.

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  24. Thank you so much for sharing your great ideas and wealth!!! I admire teachers like you who are like life savers to new teachers like me!!! I felt like I've found a treasure site!!!
    ~Terry

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  25. I think your calendar math sheet is intriguing! I would love to do something similar with my class. Thanks for sharing your 2nd semester 5th grade sheet. I have to admit that I am not sure what SF,EF,WF under Days in School is referring to. I am also wondering how you generate the data set for Today's M&M. Is it connected to the Days in School?

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    1. I'm thinking it's standard form, expanded form, and word form?? :)

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    2. So sorry Gramma! I am just seeing this now. Yes, Katie is right. SF = Standard Form, EF = Expanded Form and WF = Word Form

      The Data set is made from a combination of the numbers in the date. So for today, Feb 23, 2012, I could make a data set of 2, 2, 3, 2, 0, 1, 2 or 2, 23, 20, 1, 2, or anything that puts those numbers together (personally I like the numbers to say in the ORDER they are in, but you don't have to if it suits your needs to do something else)

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  26. I love this idea! I clicked on the 5th grade second semester, and it stated that URL wasn't found. Is there another place to find this? Thanks!

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  27. Thank you for sharing your calendar math ideas. I must say, I honestly thought this concept was more appropriate for lower grades. However, you have made me change my mind! The benefits of reviewing the concepts you have included in your calendar math would help my students tremendously. Thanks for sharing!

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  28. I'm really excited about this idea, but I wonder how this works in your Math block. How long do you have to teach math each day? I only have an hour, which always is interrupted by announcements, attendance, homework collection/review. In the end I feel like I have less than 40 minutes for my math instruction and practice. It never seems like enough. How do you fit all of it in?

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  29. I am LOVING your blog! As a 6th grade math teacher in a middle school setting, I am working on how to adapt this concept with my students. I can see it working and my wheels are turning! Thanks so much for the inspiration. This year's students have me scratching my head and going back to the drawing board. Thanks for the help! I'll be sure to let you know what I come up with! (Oh, and the video for us visual learners is incredibly helpful!)

    Julie

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  30. I downloaded your Calendar Math the other day and tried it for the first time today. Everything went well!
    The Science Penguin

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  31. I love what you've described and shared for calendar math. Thank you for taking the time to share your great ideas! I purchased the Calendar Math Templates from TPT and have a question - how do you use the geometry today and the daily number line?
    Thanks!!!
    kmorand@bellsouth.net

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  32. I love the sheets you created and would like to use them. I can only download the 4th grade version. Is it possible to email the 5th grade version? When I try to download, that option is not available.

    Thanks!
    jwtavarney@hotmail.com

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    1. Did you click on the link..and not the picture? For some reason the picture isn't working, but if you click on the words it does work. I have been having SO much trouble with this doc...I am going to have to figure out what to do with it. UGH!

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  33. Stephanie,

    I absolutely love this idea. What a great way to cover content. I was able to download the 4th grade worksheet, but not the 5th grade. I had the same problem as Theresa and I'm clicking on the words, not the picture. Can you help me out? My email is svelotta@dcps.org. Thank you! Sarah

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  34. This is great....will be plotting and planning so I can use this next year:)

    4th Grade Frolics

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  35. Love, love, love this---still not able to download the 5th grade page though. Maybe it's "operator error?
    :)

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  36. I honestly don't know what the problem is. Let me tool around with it...I may just upload them to TpT because I know that will be reliable. I am SO sorry!!!

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  37. Don't worry about that---I thought it could be "operator error" on my end :) Have a wonderful Saturday :)

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  38. A couple of questions for you. I know you said you don't expect the kids to get this for maybe a month or three months. Is there any point you take a grade on this to make the kids accountable for learning this or maybe take a grade on certain parts? And with that question do you think taking a grade on it would be a bad thing maybe every Friday or so? Also how long does this take to go through once the kids get the hang of it, say in the 3rd week of school? Also I'm confused on the worksheet part for the kids. Do you give the kids a certain amount of time to do this before you start going over it with them and do you take any kind of grade on this daily or weekly to assure the kids are completing this?

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    1. I do not give an academic grade on this. I do however give a work habits grade. On Friday I collect the packet, and give it a rubric score of 1-4 based on the work completed.

      For me personally, I wouldn't give an academic grade. This isn't a test, it is skill review. If the kids don't master it one week, I want them to keep going until they do...not feel pressured to get it because they are getting an academic grade. They also are going to be tested on all of these skills during their weekly tests/quarterly assessments/state test, so I think they will have plenty of opportunity to get an academic grade on these skills.

      As for the worksheet, yes, I give them work time before we review it. They have about 20 minutes (since I use the workshop model, they complete it during their worktime while I am with a group)

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    2. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughtful ideas! I taught 2nd grade for the last few years, but I am moving to 4th and I think your calendar math will work well! I was wondering what you do for the Temperature change. Do you just make up a temperature and then have someone use a real thermometer to check the temp outside and find the difference? Do you check the temp in the morning and then again in the afternoon to find the change?

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    3. My email is mrselles@yahoo.com if you want to send me an email or a reply post works too!
      Thanks

      Delete
  39. I absolutely LOVE this idea - it's brilliant! I plan to implement it next year; however, since I work at an international school in the Middle East our school standards are not quite the same. Would it be possible to get an editable version of the student worksheets? Maybe you could even put them on sale at TpT? I'm finding it hard to completely re-do the sheet with the small adjustments I need as your formatting (and use of space) is quite impressive!

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  40. I tried every which way I could think of to get the 5th grade one to print off. I still can't get it! It's an awesome idea and if I can get it to print, I'll be using it in August!

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  41. What size railroad board did you use?

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  42. I used the 5th grade Every Day Counts calendar last year. This year I'm going to have a 4/5 combo, so I'll be combining some skills. Do you think it would be too confusing to have 2 number lines going? The fifth grade decimal one is really important, but then the fourth grade one with multiples seems so valuable for them, too. If I only do one, I think I'd have to do the fifth grade one and do multiples another way. What do you think?

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    1. I would find the standards that really overlap the most and go with those. Then do the few key standards at each grade for them to review. You could even have a separate 5th/4th section that only that grade level does. Then go over it quickly when you are doing groups.

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  43. As a parent who is always snooping on teacher boards for ideas to help my kids (4th & 6th), how can I incorporate this at home?

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  44. Thank you Stephanie for sharing these resources.
    Mita

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  45. Stephanie, this looks like what I have been looking for! Thanks so much. With so many things to teach in Math it is hard to get to it all and make sure the students have actually learned it. I always teach expanded, word, standard form at the beginning of the year and then they forget it later! I am in third grade so I have questions about the geometry. How do you use the geo sheet? I understand how to cross out the parts we haven't learned yet but don't understand how to use the date with geometry. Thanks,
    Rachael

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  46. Thank you for creating the sheet and blogging about it. It is inspiring.

    I bought your product for 3rd Grade, and am trying to align the Level 1 sheet with the first couple of units of our Math book, Envision (FL version).

    I replaced the factors and prime/composite boxes with writing two numbers using the date which are larger than today's number, then 2 numbers that are smaller.

    Added the box with a just a line from the Level 2 sheet to the Level 1 sheet. This box is now a number line for plotting/comparing the 4 numbers that the students had made using the date, and today's number.

    Only thing missing from the Level 1 sheet that I can see (using EnvisionFL), is using estimation for adding and subtracting.

    Could you explain what the idea is for 'Fact Family by Date' and 'Calendar Pattern'? Thank you for replying and for taking the time in creating this wonderful blog.

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    1. Fact Family = using the numbers in the date, make the +, -, x, and division sentences. So today the fact family would be 7 + 25 = 25 - 7 = 7 x 25 = and 25 divided by 7. Now, I know this isn't a true fact family...but it was just a way to get a bit more of basic fact into the calendar.

      Calendar Pattern is probably one of my favorites because you can be creative. I take the number cards from the actual real calendar and set them up in a pattern. For example, all odd numbers could be on green cards. All even numbers could be turned 180 degrees. Every multiple of 5 is a triangle. All numbers with a 2 in the tens place has a quadrilateral. Etc...I use this to teach geometry and other math terms. I keep the calendar up all month, and each day the kids find one pattern they didn't tell me previously so that by the end, we are overflowing with different patterns!

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  47. LOVE your calendar math and I am excited to incorporate that into my day. We only have 45 min for Math but I love using it during workshop as a station. Very cool!

    Quick Question, in the packets I saw you discuss, do you 5 of the exact sheets of for them to use throughout the week and then collect them for a work habits grade? Did I get that right? I'm not sure we'd have enough ink to do that all year long. I'm thinking of putting them in sleeve protectors and then having random days to collect and 'grade' to keep them on their toes!

    Thanks for sharing all of your ideas. You ROCK!

    Nikki

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    1. Sleeve protectors would work just as well! I have done a notebook before, so no copies were necessary. But this system (of having the packet with the sheets to collect each week) works the best for *me*. Go with what works for you.

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  48. Thanks for sharing! Having never really taught "calendar" in intermediate grades, I was wondering what number you put in the circle for "Today's Number"? For instance, today is the 7th. Putting "7" for the number doesn't seem like it will get many results for the rest of calendar. Do you choose a larger number that is composed from the entire date - 8/7/2012? Once you put a number in the circle, is that the only number you use throughout the pages? are the Big Number and Today's number two different numbers you use? Apparently, I'm confused. Thanks.

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  49. Thanks for sharing! I love your idea. I have a special education class that I hope will really benefit from this. I am going to start using this next week.
    I have a couple of questions:
    What numbers do you use for the Equation of the Day?
    What do you stress with the number line?
    Thanks

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  50. Are the only free sheets the two Math Calendar sheets? I was just curious if there was other ones because I love everything on here and am in the process of buying what you have on tpt!
    You can email me at bmcmahon413@gmail.com
    Thanks!

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  51. Click III: Making Ansωer based on the 0
    Feel free to visit my web page - conference calling

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  52. Just wanted to say that I just spent multiple hours creating a sheet based off your calendar math for my grade 6 class with MANY more things on it. I think it will be a once a week thing for us since it encompasses so much and will take a large quantity of time. Thank you, Thank you!

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  53. Do you have any 6th grade calendar math sheets for download?

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  55. This is fabulous!! I was wondering about how you use the daily number line. My 4th graders really struggle with this.

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  56. Would you consider making something like this for 2nd grade ?

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  57. I would love this for 6th grade. Any ideas?

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  58. Hi Stephanie,
    I've been using your Spiral Math Homework and absolutely LOVE it!!!
    I would really like to try your Calendar Math, can you send me some examples to try?
    I am thinking of purchasing your program for next school year!
    Thanks!
    Tracy
    tracyheinrichpdx@gmail.com

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  59. Hi Stephanie,
    I've been using your Spiral Math Homework and absolutely LOVE it!!!
    I would really like to try your Calendar Math, can you send me some examples to try?
    I am thinking of purchasing your program for next school year!
    Thanks!
    Tracy
    tracyheinrichpdx@gmail.com

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  60. Oops, forgot to mention that I teach 5th grade.
    Tracy :-)

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  61. In the 3rd Grade Sheets. What are you doing in the Add It and Subtract It boxes?

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