It's that time again :) Guided MathChapter 5: Using Guided Math with Small GroupsHosted by: Pitner's Potpourri and Toad-ally Exceptional LearnersThis chapter focuses on the following:Advantages & Disadvantages to Small-Group InstructionEffective Uses of Small-Group InstructionForming & Organizing Small GroupsTeaching a Guided Math Lesson with a Small GroupI have always used small group instruction for reading. It just never made sense to me to use one book with a second grade classroom whose reading levels vary from ... read more
Classroom Library Labels
I finally finished updating my classroom library labels. They have been created using blue, green, and purple backgrounds. Click on the picture to get these labels from my TpT store:This file contains book tub labels with pictures. You will receive 90+ labels in all three colors. The labels I made are targeted towards the primary grade levels, but I have also included blank labels for you to personalize for your own classroom library. Some of the labels include:Series books (Magic Tree House, Black Lagoon, etc.)Popular Characters ... read more
It’s Math T.I.M.E.
I have been playing around with different ideas for math workshop for a few weeks now. I saw this idea on Pinterest. It comes from Cassie at Adventures in Teaching. To read more about how she uses BUILD in her classroom, click here.Since this will be my first year trying Guided Math & Math Workshop, I wanted to simplify things. Here is what I have so far. I would love to hear your thoughts on this one.(squiggle frame courtesy of From the Pond: http://frompond.blogspot.com)T - Teacher (guided math lesson)I - ... read more
Guided Math – Chapter 4
Guided Math - Chapter 4Using Guided Math with the Whole Classis being hosted bySweet Seconds and Once Upon a Teaching Blog"Whole-class instruction provides teachers with a quick method of presenting information to all students. Everyone receives the same information...at the same time." (Laney Sammons)At the beginning of a unit, I post our learning targets in the classroom. I open up a discussion with the students about what they already know and what questions/concerns they have about the learning targets (I feel this is kind of ... read more
Number of the Day Worksheets & Writing Mini-Offices
After my last post about Guided Math, I received numerous e-mails and comments asking about the Number of the Day worksheets. I have to point out that I did NOT create these sheets and for many of them, I do not have the original source. Therefore, I feel bad about sending them off as files. Instead, I went back on Pinterest and did a search. Here are links to some of the ones I found there:Number Detectives (gr. 3-5) by Katie @ Queen of the First Grade JungleNumber of the Day @ Lori's PageMagic Numeral @ E is for ... read more
Guided Math – Chapter 3
Guided Math - Chapter 3 Using Math Warm-Ups in Guided Mathis being hosted by:My Second Sense and Making it a a Middle School TeacherIt's not too late to join in on this book study. Even if you don't have a copy of the book, check out what others are saying, ask questions, and leave a comment if you have an idea or suggestion."No matter how [students] feel as they arrive, they are here to learn, and we are here to teach them. As we plan our lessons, we ask ourselves how we can stimulate their curiosity, motivate them, guide them, ... read more
Guided Math – Chapter 2
Guided Math, Chapter 2 - Using Guided Math to Create a Classroom Environment of NumeracyIn this chapter, Sammons discusses various elements for a successful math classroom. Here are some of those elements:- Large Group Area- Small Group Area- Workshop Area- Manipulatives- Calendars- Problem of the Day/Week- Word Wall or Vocabulary Display- Math Journals- Class-Made Charts- Math LiteratureSome of these elements I have already had in place with a lot of success. I already have designated spaces for whole group and small group reading ... read more
Guided Math – Chapter 1
Are you involved in the Guided Math Book Study? If not, head on over to Primary Inspired to get more info. I just got my hands on a copy of Guided Math yesterday so I'm a few days behind the book study group and trying to catch up. I finished Chapter 1 and have some lingering thoughts and questions. At the end of Chapter 1 there is a Review and Reflect section. I'll start there:Think of the way you currently teach mathematics.1. What aspects of it are successful?2. What aspects of it trouble you?My district ... read more
Two New Freebies & Project Updates
Today I began putting my clip chart together. I have each of the sections mounted on black paper, but I still need to measure out the colored papers so they overlap correctly. I began working on my weekly behavior recording sheets and family letter about the new system, too. My classroom library is still a work in progress. I have finished my book inventory and have started working on my basket/tub labels. That should take awhile...In the meantime, I have two more freebies I wanted to share with all of ... read more
Math Workshop & Guided Math
I recently spoke with a friend about the possibilities of trying a math workshop approach in the classroom. My district uses Everyday Math. While I love the idea of really reaching my math students at their instructional levels, I can't wrap my brain around exactly how this would all tie together with Everyday Math. Tonight I was looking around at other blogs and I stopped over at Primary Inspired. She mentioned that several bloggers were getting together to do a book study on Guided Math. This seems like a great (and safe) place to dive ... read more
