Math Workshop in Action!
Presented by: Kristen Clark, Colette Murphy, & Ginny Hiltz from Windsor
What is Math Workshop?
“Guided Math”: similar to Guided Reading--teachers put the students into small groups based on ability and the students work on specific standards being taught in centers around the room. Differentiation is achieved as students are in different groups and instruction is changed to hit the needs of the student.
“Math Workshop”:
Launch (Mini lesson) - 5 - 15 minutes
Three or four rotations (one rotation teacher led) - 12 - 15 minutes per rotation
Whole Group reflection - 15 minutes
Inspiration
(Purchased from Teachers Pay Teachers)
Blog- Clutter Free Classroom www.cfclassroom.com
The Format
Launch (10 minutes)
- whole group mini-lesson (Mental Math, Math Message,
sharing a math read-aloud)
- explain rotations/materials
Rotations (12-15 minutes each) *Spells MATH*
Math facts
At your seat
Teacher's choice
Hands on
Whole Group Reflection (10 min)
- sharing the learning (exit slips, turn and talk, reviewing math
boxes)
Math Facts
I X L
At Your Seat
Independent practice such as Math Boxes, Daily Math, worksheets, or packets to reinforce the lesson(s) from the previous day(s).
* Could differentiate this work for each group
Teacher's Choice
Students meet with the teacher for a differentiated Everyday Math lesson, using journal pages, whiteboards, manipulatives, or other activities.
(similar to guided reading)
Hands On
Activities and games that reinforce the lessons from the previous day(s).
*Could differentiate this work for each group
Planning a Unit
See Google Site for 3rd Grade, Unit 4 Plans
Math facts- daily opportunity for consistent fact practice
practice & time each other on fact quizzes- at own level could also use flashcards, online games, ixl, or iPad apps
At your seat- Math Boxes or other independent practice
(could differentiate this work for each group)
Teacher's choice- math lesson using the EM lesson page(s)
(use the enrichment activities for above-level group, teach the lesson for the two on-level groups, use readiness activities for below-level group)
Hands on- EM group activities and games, board games, online
games, ixl, or iPad apps
(could differentiate this work for each group)
Planning a Unit
\
Save these two activities for the next day- Hands On & At Your Seat
To adjust the lesson for Below and Above groups
Forming Groups
To begin forming groups:
-MAP scores
-Input from previous teacher (Pinks & Blues)
-Everyday Math Beginning of the Year Assessment
Throughout the year:
-Unit Tests
-Informal classroom assessment (Math Boxes and checking for understanding during lessons)
* Could Pretest each Unit
Parent Communication
Explained the Math Workshop model at Open House, and discussed how it was similar to the way we teach reading.
At Parent-Teacher Conferences, shared with parents how lessons are differentiated for their child (especially for the above-level students).
Sent the same Home Link for each child, and chose to only differentiate the work in-class, but the homework could also be differentiated, if desired.
Parent Communication
Two parents were invited in to help on the first Friday of each month. They ran games that were more challenging or helped with activities that required more support.
Could use parents more frequently depending on grade level, and class size, and preference?
Results
Students were more motivated and engaged in math lessons, lessons were more easily differentiated.
Easier to determine our students' strengths and weaknesses when consistently working with them in small groups.
Opportunities for fact practice and practice through games every day. No teacher grading for daily fact quizzes. Students were not rushing to finish work in order to play a game.
High level of growth on Math MAP Tests, especially for above-level students.
Things We've Learned
Able to provide targeted instruction- more support for our below groups, more enrichment opportunities for above groups.
Above group- had an enrichment packet for each unit (created by 3rd grade teachers in the district), with a page for each lesson. Students worked on the activities if they finished rotations early, and during Teacher's Choice.
Tip- assign partners within the math groups, so students know who they will be practicing facts with and/or playing games with (saves time at the rotations).
Certain lessons were a better fit for whole-class instruction, as well as Unit Assessment days (no rotations).
Ideas for Organization
2 Pocket Charts- Dollar Spot at Target
-laminate the sentence strips to wipe-off easily
Ideas for Organization
Feel free to email any additional questions to:
Kristen Clark kclark@sd25.org
Colette Murphy comurphy@sd25.org
Ginny Hiltz vhiltz@sd25.org
Thank you!
Questions?