This summer, I came across a few blogs that talked about Math Workshops in their Math classes and loved the idea. You can read about them on Beth Newingham's blog or The Clutter Free Classroom. These two blogs were such an inspiration to me and I knew I wanted to try it out. I teach 5th grade, and I think the blogs I read were geared for more of the younger grades, but it works great for my kiddos! Anyways...I wanted to share my version of Math Workshop to you.
Here is my board...
Which was inspired by {and looks A LOT alike} my inspiration board from The Clutter Free Classroom...
This half of the board has the rotation map. I {strategically} assign 4 different groups of kids and they follow the schedule displayed. The far left says 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th rotation down the side. Where their group number and rotation number meet is where they need to be for that rotation.
So that is the setup.
Now on to how it works in my classroom...
I loved the idea that the Clutter Free Classroom used by using the word MATH as my stations. Math facts, At your desk, Teachers choice and Hands on. My math classes are 75 minutes a piece, so I spend about 10 minutes explaining the stations and then I let them start. Each rotation is 15 minutes long.
The prep work was a little more strenuous the first time around, but I think it will get easier in time. I print cards for the slits so they will know what their choices are. Another reason I love this is because I can hit all the different levels of my kids at one time through different assignments. #winning!
And just because I'm crazy organized, I came up with a system to make it run smoother. I put all my copies/ materials for the weeks workshop in my little rubbermaid bins. Then in the crate, I have a color-coded system so the kids know where to go to get instructions or work that they need to complete.
The rotations went REALLY well, even better than expected actually! Here is the run down on what I did at each station.
Math facts...
At this station I combine anything that can reinforce what the objective is I'm teaching as well as give them more practice at those basic facts. I use dice, decks of cards, number puzzles, computer games...anything I can find that will go along with what I'm teaching.
At your desk...
This is pretty much where they do their independent work. It may be a worksheet, a journal entry, an assignment from their math book. They are sitting at their desks for this station.
Teachers choice...
This is when I use my small group time. I pull the group down to the floor and we work at the whiteboard. Speaking of whiteboards...LOVE THEM! Hello, best way to engage a 5th grader. Give them a whiteboard and Expo Marker. They're in heaven! Oh my gosh...it is SO much easier focusing on a group of 4 or 5 rather than a group of 20. The kids really open up and ask questions, where as in a big group they stay quiet. It's a great opportunity as a teacher to see exactly where my kids are struggling.
Hands on...
This station is usually a game or activity that ties into what were doing. There always some kind of manipulative for them to use and discover with.
Honestly, I haven't completely decided how often this will be going down in room 207. I know some teachers do Math Workshop everyday...it's just how their Math class is structured. I, on the other hand, do not have it in me to teach the same lesson 16 times in one day. {SIXTEEN} Sorry if that makes me lose teacher of the year, but y'all thats a beating!!! I was thinking I will try it twice a week and see how it goes. We'll see...
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my version of Math Workshop and a big THANK YOU to the blogs who inspired me to take it up a notch. I owe you guys BIG TIME! :)
This looks great! I think it would be awesome to try, and I agree...every day would get to be a bit much for me too!
ReplyDeletewow, this is incredible! I bookmarked this post so I can come back to it--what wonderful ideas and organization. I have been wanting to try this but haven't had the guts to pull it off yet! Thank you so much for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteKristen
It is amazing. You need to come set it up in my classroom. :-) We just decided this morning that we are going to try a center rotation for math b/c we're just not able to get up close and personal with many of the kiddos. Great ideas!!
ReplyDeleteHi Katie!
ReplyDeleteFirst, thank you for being a teacher! And it seems like you are one awesome teacher!!! I have a 4th grader this year who....oh, how do I say this....is a bit "math challenged" so if you lived closer I would totally ask you to tutor her!!!
Second, thanks for asking about the "E".....as you know, we moved in April back to Portland and I have to admit, I have not unpacked all the boxes and I truly do not know if I have that "E" or not????! Can't remember if I finally just sent it to the big Goodwill in the sky or not??? I will check and let ya know, ok????
Thanks for stoppin by!
xo~Jill
I love your math work stations! They look very organized and colorful. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful share! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHI! I am going back to teaching after NINE years off and it feels like I've forgotten EVERYTHING! :0(! I love the idea of the Math Workshop and want to implement it. I too wouldn't do it every day, maybe twice a week. My confusion is this: does each group NOT do the same thing at each station? I thought at first that it was the same activity at each station, with each group rotating to each station throughout the class. I'm trying to figure out what is listed under each station. I see that you have 4 groups but only 3 things under each station.... Help please! :0)
ReplyDelete~robin
@Robin. When the kids come in the grab a popsicle stick with a number on it. That is there number for the day. When we start Math Workshop, they go by the schedule of their number. (Ex. If I am a #2, I will go to At your desk first, then Math facts, then Hands on, then Teachers Chair) Basically its their schedule for the class. In each station I give them choices on what they can do. They are similar things but some may be a high level than others to hit all my learners. So no, they may not do the same activity but it was the same concept. I have the kids work independently in their own seat...it isn't group work even though they may be traveling for the day as a group. I think the various assignments also helps get that point across. I have to make sure they are all on task so that I can lead the Teachers Chair lesson on the floor and lets be honest...that would never happen if they were working in groups. Haha!
ReplyDeleteKatie, I just stumbled upon this post and I've enjoyed reading it! I jumped in head-first to Math Workshop several weeks ago but there are still things I need to tweak. I love your crate organization. If the students just grab a number and it changes each day, how do you let them know what choice they should be making under the rotation option since you mentioned it's differentiated? Maybe I'm misunderstanding. :) Right now, my 3 groups (wish I could do 4, but due to time...maybe my mini-lesson is too long?!?) are ability grouped based on a pre-test for the topic.
ReplyDelete