challenges

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Home : 2005 : November : 16

challenges
By bamateach

I teach 2nd grade. I challenge my higher level readers in much the same way as you. I also expect them to challenge themselves in reading by reading on their grade level during SSR and AR. Reading is easy in that way. I
would explain to this parent that I teach small groups and she is in the higher reading group. I would explain that I challenge her during the group time. Also if you do AR I would pull her AR record. See if she is reading books on her level and tell her mom you expect her to challenge herself in that area. Mom can help by making sure she encourages her to do a lot of reading/Ar test taking.

During Math, I challenge my higher level math students in a number of ways.
1. I have independent take it to your seat centers. These are "problem solving" centers. Once the students finish their work from our lesson they are allowed to go get a center. I am teaching a small math group at this time where I give additional help to those that aren't getting it.
2. When teaching my mini lesson if the opportunity presents itself to take it up a notch, even for one or two, I do. I figure by doing this I am reaching those few that are ready for it and exposing those that aren't. For example: The other day we were talking about missing addends. Ex: __ + 3 = 5 the missing addend is 2. I taught the lesson as such. I then took it up a notch saying that we might see it presented like this c+3=5
c=2. Well, I had some students that were really into this and quickly figuring it out. I took it even further. We got into some good stuff. Ex: (x+3) - 5 = 7 x= 9. Well at this point all but two were trying, but not ready. This took an additional 5-7 minutes on my lesson. The benefit: When those two finished their seat work they came to me and asked me to make them some problems to figure out. So I did. A whole page. It was great! THey were excited about it!
3. I have a 3rd grade math book that I will assign them a page to do.
4. I have a problem of the day that involves critical problem solving.
I hope this is helpful. I look forward to seeing what everyone else will say. Good Luck! :)