My math period

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Home : 2003 : September : 5

My math period
By Deb

I'm envious that you've been able to put groups together. I'm still doing most things whole group because I have so little confidence in my ability to teach more than one group at the same time. So, I do math whole group
too and the period generally lasts 1 1/2 hour. Here's how it's split:
First morning work when they get in. This is a 20 problem worksheet that focuses on basic skills such as addition, multiplication, etc.
Depending on the day I also do something related to a drill. We either recite our multiplication facts or take a timed test. Our goal is to do a table correctly in one minute

or less. Some of the slower kids take two minutes and that's OK but everything needs to be corrct or they retake. The goal is to earn a "certificate of achievement."

We review homework.

I give a lesson on something new.

They have seat work. This is timed so that the fast paced students aren't waiting but the slower paced students still have a chance to work productively. I'll walk around while they're working or meet with those kids who I know need help. Then I give them the answers to the page.

And sometime during the week we do problem solving. It has a different feel to it.

I bring the kids up to the overhead throughout the period and they like getting actively involved. Somehow the kids don't mind such a long period of math.

This routine worked well for me last year. Of course my state assessment results have not been returned yet and that's really the evidence of whether or not this time is being used well. Take care and good luck.