ActivitIes and strategies I use in my math instruction
Math Workshop in my class is usually a daily occurrence. Students are grouped by their ability through pre-assessment of the skill we are working on at the time. Each group meets with me once during the week for a guided math group while the rest of the class works on assigned activities. Student who are struggling a bit have an extra guided math group each week. The Title I Math teacher comes to my room daily during this time and works with these groups.
This is an example of the board I use to help manage this time. As a class we made a list of what Math work shop looks like and sounds like. We also talked about doing math that is "just right" since we all have different ability levels. The kids do a great job with this approach.
My students and I are working hard on learning how to create equivalent fractions during Math workshop.
These students are working on different
activities during our Math workshop time. There are group and individual
activities to complete during this learning time. Students use a variety of
materials and manipulative to help differentiate the activity.
Creating Anchor Charts as a class, discussing the information and strategies illustrated on each is an essential element in my class. I want to model for my students how they can think about math. Each is a reference and reminder of how good students think and use a variety of mathematical strategies to increase their learning.
The self-assessment tool I have
found to be a great tool is the Stop Light.
Students decide if they are green, yellow, or red on the given skill. I have set the expectation and modeled what this would look like. The students need to be reflective and decide for themselves where they happen to fall. My students have done well at doing this which makes this self-assessment tool a great success
Students decide if they are green, yellow, or red on the given skill. I have set the expectation and modeled what this would look like. The students need to be reflective and decide for themselves where they happen to fall. My students have done well at doing this which makes this self-assessment tool a great success
A great way to help the students understand multiplication was by making a multiplication chart out of arrays. Students made these arrays and used this chart as a reference.
Games are a great way to reinforce and enrich students. I have used these two games this year to help with place value. Other games my students love to learn with include Close to 100, Close to 1000, 1,2,3 Salute, and Roll an Array to list just a few. As a reflection of playing the games, I have created Exit ticket questions to help me decide where they currently are in their understanding of the games focus skill and concept.
Sudoku, is a great tool I use to help students engage their brain. Studesnt learn to analyze a situation and problem solve when completing each puzzle.. My students love this "game." The board changes on a two week bases. Students who finish early have this as an activity they can complete. Students also have this as an option to do when we have indoor recess. I encourage you to try this in your class.
Math Choice Board for Each Quarter Students are asked to complete 3 of the activities during a quarter. They are to choose. They are given some time in class, or students may work on these activites when they finish early. This sheet is an example of one that I used in the 1st Quarter.