I'm not a math expert and I actually grew up hating math. Even though you can always derive to an exact answer, getting to the answer is what terrified me. Those many steps were important and if you missed one, you were DOOMED! For the life of me, I couldn't remember all of the steps to solving the different operations, so I hated math. Let's not get into mixing x, y, and z with numbers!
After reflecting on my methods for teaching math (Typically, whole group) and reading the second edition of The Daily Five which includes Math Daily 3, I fell in LOVE with guided math! My students did also! When we initially began guided math groups,they didn't even want to go to recess. Instead, they wanted to complete math stations. How awesome, right?!
Here's how we complete our math block...
My math block is an hour and twenty five minutes but the following rotation is still manageable if you only have an hour.
Teacher Table
Students come prepared with a pencil and textbook.
I use the gradual release model to teach my guided math lessons.
•I Do: I state the purpose and goal, provide direct instruction of the concept and model explicitly.
•We Do: The "We Do" is interactive. The students and I review vocabulary, ask and respond to questions, and problem solve together.
•You Do: Students complete independent tasks with my support as needed.
At Your Seat Practice
After participating in small group with me students work in partners or independently to complete assigned math workbook pages.
After students have completed their assignments, they complete activities from their differentiated math drawers.
These activities are engaging, purposeful, and based on notes taken within small group or assessment data. I ensure that students have plenty practice with skills they struggle with. They eventually catch on to the concept.
Students have various choices of enrichment worksheets, math wraps, and math games. They love it!
Math Tubs...
Are CAREFULLY PLANNED, FUN, HANDS-ON, THEMATIC OR SKILLED BASED!
Have manipulatives, games, artifacts, food (Yes, FOOD!), spiral review activities, and math literature.
I love math tubs! I have a total of four tubs that I change each week. You can create as many tubs and change them as often as you'd like. My students bore easily and I like keeping their interest by supplying new centers. I eventually recycle my older centers so that students can practice previously learned skills.
Students read math literature after completing their math tubs.
Skittle Grophing Questions
Students loved graphing gummies!
Other math tub activities include number concept centers by Cara Carroll. My students love activities from her Place Value Pack.
While I am continuing to perfect my craft and implementing math centers, I hope that this post was helpful in some way! Please share your ideas and what you do during guided math and centers.
