The Thing About Even and Odd

Even and odd often get shoved into a curriculum as a few lessons. These lessons also get compacted into a couple of days of learning a skip counting pattern to remember which numbers are even and which are odd.

Perhaps the lessons are condensed because they don’t seem to be an imperative skill for students to learn. However, making these lessons sub-standard means that students are missing valuable information that is essential for them to explore. You might be thinking “Yeah right, it’s just even and odd. What’s the big deal?”

Identifying even and odd numbers is an important skill that helps children understand our number system and provides them aids in their preparation for whole number operations.

So what do teachers need to know about even and odd?

1. Students need concrete exploration.

The definition of an even number is a number that can be divided or split into two equal groups. Of course for your little ones, you may not want to describe it as division instead you can say, “It is a number that can be paired up without any left over”. Odd numbers always have a remainder. This concept can be explored through the use of manipulatives or math tools.

2. Where we start to skip count from matters.

Students typically leave this unit only knowing that 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 are even numbers. But that is not the definition of even numbers. It’s not enough to say, “If you count by 2’s you land on an even number such as 0, 2, 4, 6, 8”. A first-grader I was talking to the other day pointed out to another student. “If you count by 2’s starting with the number 1 you don’t get even numbers you get odd ones”. These are the discoveries we want students to make.

Skip counting patterns starting with the 2's. Skip counting patterns starting with the 1's

3. It’s not about skip counting, it’s about patterns.

Pattern explorations are what I usually find missing from curriculums. The whole point of teaching even and odd is for the mathematical patterns they contribute to. For example:

even and odd addition patterns. An even plus and even. An even plus and odd. An odd plus and odd

These patterns also extend to multiplication, prime numbers, etc.

Even and odd multiplication patterns. An even times and even. And even times an odd. An odd times an odd.

Most curriculums lack these types of problems.

4. Why do we look at the last digit to find even or odd?

This lesson is often skipped by educators. We tell students to look at the last place value to find if a number is even or odd, but WHY do we look at that digit specifically? Do we teach that? What’s your response to a student who wants to know why the last place value matters.

Here’s what we should be saying? When looking at all the place values besides the ones place, you will find that they could always be partitioned into two equal groups (specifically whole numbers) without any remainders. The ones place is the only place value that could have a remainder. For example:

A three digit number where the hundreds place is split in half. The tens place is split in half. The last digit determines even or odd.

Try to find a way to incorporate some of these lessons into your even and odd unit. Avoid using the typical tricks. And rip down posters that revolve around skip counting. Instead, put up anchor charts with these new approaches.

Looking to learn more? Check out these resources.

 

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Math Struggles Ain’t Just About Numbers

Let’s be B.F.F.R—math can stress kids out. You’ve seen it: the frozen-in-place stare, the pencil tapping like it’s sending an SOS, or the classic “I CAN’T DO THIS!” meltdown before even trying. But here’s the thing—most of the time, their struggle isn’t about numbers. It’s about mindset.

What if we borrowed some life coaching techniques to help our students not just survive math but actually thrive in it? Let’s break it down into simple, practical ways you can empower your students without turning into a full-blown therapist.

 Reframe the Narrative (A.K.A. Flip the Script on “I’m Bad at Math”)

Ever notice how kids say “I’m bad at math” like it’s their official personality trait? That belief is holding them back more than any tricky word problem ever could.

How to Do It:

  • When a student says, “I suck at math,” respond with: “You’re still learning. Let’s find a way that makes sense to you.”
  • Introduce the Power of Yet: “You don’t get it… yet. But your brain is working on it!”
  • Share stories of people who struggled with math and overcame it (bonus points if you can find famous athletes, musicians, or influencers).

Remind them that they once thought tying their shoes was impossible, and look at them now—shoe-tying pros. Math is just another skill that takes practice.

Teach Emotional Regulation (Because Frustration Is a Math Blocker)

We can’t expect students to push through challenges if they’re spiraling into math-induced panic mode. When frustration kicks in, their brains hit the “I’m out!” button.

How to Do It:

  • Pause & Breathe: Before jumping to the “I CAN’T,” have students take a deep breath. Try “breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4.” Simple, but it works.
  • Break It Down: Instead of tackling the whole problem at once, ask, “What’s one thing we DO know?” Small wins build confidence.
  • Normalize Struggle: Post a sign in your classroom: “Mistakes Mean You’re Learning.” Say it. Live it. Believe it! As Naruto says.

Set Micro-Goals (Because Big Goals Can Feel Overwhelming)

If a kid already feels lost, telling them “just keep practicing” is like saying, “just climb this mountain real quick.” Instead, break it into steps.

How to Do It:

  • Instead of “Get better at multiplication,” set a goal like: “Practice a doubling/halving strategy.”
  • Use progress charts so students can SEE their growth. 
  • Celebrate the small wins! Even if they only got one more right than last time—that’s growth!

Remind them “If you can memorize every single lyric to that TikTok song, you can 100% remember a few math strategies.” 
Honestly research shows long term memory is activated when we leverage different modalities in our lessons. It’s how the brain learns math.

Shift from Performance to Progress (Because Speed Ain’t Everything)

Fluency is about thinking efficiently, not racing to the answer. The goal isn’t to turn kids into human calculators—it’s to help them use numbers flexibly.

How to Do It:

  • Replace timed tests with strategy-based challenges (ex: “How many ways can you solve 12 × 8?”).
  • Instead of praising fast answers, celebrate smart strategies: “Ooooh, I love how you broke that down!”
  • Remind them that even adults use tools like calculators and sticky notes—real math is about knowing how to approach problems, not just getting the answer instantly.

 Teach Self-Talk (Because Their Inner Voice Matters More Than You Know)

The way kids talk to themselves about math shapes their experience with it. If they constantly say, “I can’t do this,” their brain believes it. Time to switch up the self-talk game.

How to Do It:

  • Teach “I can” statements: Instead of “I don’t get it,” try “I don’t get it YET, but I can figure this out.”
  • Have students write down one math strength (even if it’s “I’m good at counting on my fingers” – that’s a start!).
  • Encourage students to talk to themselves like they’d talk to a friend. Would they tell a friend, “You’re dumb at math”? No? Then don’t say it to yourself either!

Emphasize- “You wouldn’t let your best friend talk trash about you, so don’t let your brain do it either!”

Coaching Math Mindsets for the Win

At the end of the day, teaching math fluency isn’t just about numbers—it’s about helping kids believe they can figure things out. When we shift from just teaching math to coaching their mindset, we create students who are not only fluent in math but confident in life.

So, here’s your challenge: What’s one small move you can try this week? Whether it’s shifting self-talk, celebrating small wins, or breaking down frustration, pick one and run with it.

Oh, and if you want more strategies like these, check out my Figuring Out Fluency series, (Book 1) (Book 2) where we make fluency engaging, empowering, and (most importantly) actually make sense.

And if you want more math mindset strategies, grab my Guide For Teachers To Help Students With Growth Mindset