Diverse, rigorous elementary math resources for the K-5 classroom! Let me keep you afloat! Visit my blog: bit.ly/drr_web
This site was created in 2014, a year after my arrival in the state of Texas. I came from a state whose education system was not like that of Texas’ and I was completely lost. Not only did I have to stay afloat through the ocean of new acronyms, but also through new standards. Having to learn everything for myself, I became an expert on the standards and what they meant…and it was through this experience, that Down River Resources was created (formerly Kindergarten Down River).
10/01/2025
Teacher: Why can't my students recognize 13-19? ⤵️
Why are Tricky Teens so Difficult for My Students to Learn? Teen numbers do not follow the typical number naming system in English. As a result, teen numbers have been dubbed "tricky teens."
09/20/2025
🛑 IF YOU TEACH ELEMENTARY MATH, you need to know these things about comparing numbers!
📣 COMMENT "COMPARING NUMBERS" if you want a differentiated comparing numbers sort delivered straight to your inbox! ⬇️
Comparing numbers builds progressively across grades, from small whole numbers (Kindergarten) to large whole numbers (4th grade) to fractions and decimals (4th–5th grades).
This makes comparing numbers an easy skill to differentiate for your mathematicians! 💥
📣 COMMENT "COMPARING NUMBERS" for my F-R-E-E comparing numbers sort! ⬇️
I'll be dropping Part 2 in this series soon!
08/12/2025
Unlock the toolkit now! ➡️ Thanks for joining Mindset Matters, a 10-day Instagram series boosting math confidence in your elementary math classroom!
🎉 Grab your F-R-E-E Math Mindset Toolkit with activities to keep the positive vibes going!
💬 Comment "MINDSET" to get started!
I'm excited to partner up with you on your positive math mindset journey this back to school season!
08/09/2025
Unlock students' math potential by celebrating effort! 🏆
Research says, celebrating small wins builds growth mindsets! (Dweck, 2006).
1️⃣ Tip 1: Use a "Math Star" board to highlight effort.
⭐️ Reinforce effort, persistence, and collaboration as the true "stars" of math learning.
⭐️ Have a basket of cut-out stars. Students can write down their "star moment" and place on a board to display!
2️⃣ Tip 2: Share "aha" moments in discussions.
🤯 Have students share breakthroughs or realizations in math!
🤯 This will foster excitement and boost math confidence!
3️⃣ Tip 3: Use the Math Win Reflection Sheet.
🏆 Have students complete a reflection at the end of a lesson, week, or unit.
🏆 This keeps the tone positive and gets them thinking about what is next in their math learning!
💬 Comment "MINDSET" below to get the Reflection Sheet F-r-E-e in my math mindset toolkit on Day 9!
08/05/2025
😣 Are you struggling to provide your students with consistent, rigorous math, practice that aligns w/ TEKS? 🙋🏻♀️
Daily exposure is critical for building problem-solving skills! I've crafted 180 problems for each grade level! {Grades 1-5}
See more 👇
08/03/2025
Which growth mindset poster is your favorite?
Drop a heart below with the color 🧡 or 🩷!
If you're stopping the fixed mindset once and for all, follow along for growth mindset areas in math and more!
08/03/2025
Remind your students that efforts goes a long way and mistakes are part of the journey!
Use these posters to decorate your classroom or print mini-versions to place on desk or staple to work! ❤️👇
08/02/2025
I’m teaching my students that their brains CAN change on the first day of school! 🧠 💪
Mindsets are powerful and a building a growth mindset takes time, that’s why I’m starting on Day 1. ⤵️
My students will work though four engaging station activities where they’ll use their hands to complete specific tasks.
By the end of the lesson, they’ll see that they have LEARNED to do tasks with their dominant hands AND their brains CAN change. 💥
See more 👇
08/01/2025
I’m back with elementary math resources to inspire your classroom and keep you stress-free during this back to school season...at least during math! 🙃
🚀 Join my 10-day MINDSET MATTERS series to learn research-based ways to:
⭐ reduce math anxiety,
⭐ boost math confidence,
⭐ and more!
Plus, a Positive Math Mindset Toolkit drops straight to your inbox on Day 9 loaded alllllllll the printable resources I'll be using during the next 10 days!
🔽 Comment ‘MINDSET’ now to snag the math mindset toolkit during the series! 🔽
08/01/2025
🎉 BIG NEWS! Tomorrow, I’m launching Mindset Matters: a 10-day series to help your students LOVE math with positive mindsets! 🚀 I’m Laura from and I'm back after a hiatus with research-based tips and a FREE toolkit dropping on Day 9.
Elementary math teachers can expect:
💡 Tips to reduce math anxiety
⭐ Confidence-building strategies
📚 A free Positive Math Mindset Toolkit!
Follow now and comment ‘HYPE’ to join the fun!
Just added to my shop! These TEKS Process Skills Affirmation Posters are great for:
⭐Morning Motivation Routine
⭐Math Journal Reflection
⭐Personal Goal Setting
⭐Classroom Affirmation Chant
⭐Peer Encouragement
⭐Decoration OR Visual Reminders
⭐Lesson Warm-Ups
⭐Behavior Reinforcement
⭐Differentiated Instruction Support
⭐Math Stations
⭐Progress Monitoring and Reflection
🔽 See more in comments. 🔽