Monday, June 6, 2011

Launching Guided Math-The First Weeks of School

What students will be doing the first few weeks : Exploration of Math Tools
  • Pattern Blocks
  • Wooden Blocks
  • Attribute Links
  • Geoboards
  • Unifix Cubes
  • Treasure Boxes (containers with different manipulatives)
  • Color Bears
  • Colored Toothpicks
From the research I have read (Kathy Richardson), I can't expect the children to get down to the business of using manipulatives until they have gotten the play out of the way.  I need to make this initial exploration a time for the children  to explore (and I can get some of the beginning of the year assessments done).
I also need to make sure it is very different from when I start the actual math stations.

Teaching the Routines for Math Stations
I will probably teach it like the Daily 5-building stamina, having the example, non-example etc.  However, I don’t want the kids to think that this is the Daily 5 Math.  Daily 5 should be quieter-Math Stations will obviously be nosier because the children need to talk about what they are learning.  The more I research, the more I realize that children need to explore-starting with the concrete before they move to the abstract.  Therefore, they need to have a conversation with their partners about what they are doing.  I want my Math Stations to be separate from my Daily 5 because I don’t want either endeavor to jeopardize the success of the other.

Below is the list of guidelines I want to strive for with my math stations.  I will obviously need to model and explain each one, but this hits on the main ideas I want my children to understand.

All Aboard for Math Stations:
Tools Not Toys
Peaceful Partners
Time on Task
My Place is in My Math Space
Clean Up Carefully
Posted by at
Labels:

8 comments:

  1. Kim BalekJune 6, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    I like the way you have worded your math guidelines. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 7, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    Good point about not wanting the kids to think it is Daily 5 math. I agree that there needs to be conversation during work stations.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RandeeJune 7, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    LOVE the wording of your guidelines...I just may use these and add pics of my students doing "the right thing"!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Karen LeBlancJune 7, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    I'm liking your guidelines for math work stations...may have to use these for my class, too.
    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Learning with Mrs. ParkerJune 7, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Thanks for joining the discussion. I agree your guidelines are wonderful! I love the catchiness of the phrase yet it is simple enough language for everyone to understand. Pure genius!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Linda McCardleJune 7, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    I too loved your simple way of giving the children guidelines. I will be following your blog! Linda
    ateacherstouch.blogspot.com
    www.lindaslearninglinks.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Melissa SmithJune 16, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    I'm just playing around with the guidelines and came up with some to a CAMP acronym: (I have a camping theme--so I have Camping Stations!)

    C-clean up carefully
    A-around the room rotations (my stations are in order around perimeter of room)
    M-make every minute count (stay on task)
    P-partners practice together

    I am getting so excited about doing math stations this year! I've done guided groups before, but just rotated through teacher, IWB activity, math games and worksheet. I'm planning on a short calendar time with whole group mini-lesson then 2 stations (10 in a week) and a share time. All in 60 minutes...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Peterson's Primary PeepsJune 21, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    O I love all these ideas for the guidelines for the stations! Thanks everyone

    Michelle
    http://petersonsprimarypeeps.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)