math their way

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math their way
By vkj

I've attended a MTW workshop and MTW follow-up. After 7 years of using MTW in my classroom, I still don't do the tubbing exactly as suggested. I have a hard time figuring out the timing and the symbols they use for the rotation.

The
tubbing is used for free exploration. MTW suggests that you begin with one manipulative (e.g. unifix cubes)introduction at a time. Half the class does tubbing while the other half draws. After about 20 minutes, rotate. The next day, introduce pattern blocks and divide the class in 3rds.
MTW encourages the teacher to let the needs of the children indicate the length of this

free exploration stage. Once you sense that your class is losing interest in free exploration, you can move on to more directed work with the manipulatives.

I've always gone way too fast during this stage. My goal this year is to really make sure that they are ready to move on.

MTW has a website where the Summary Newsletter can be accessed online. I can't find the actual address right now, but you can do a search for "Center for Innovation in Education" and you'll get it. Let me know if you need more info.