It was a little chilly, and the clouds went in and out, but it was nice just to sit, and breath the sea air (and also to spend time with my friend!)
I also made these cupcakes for the 4th of July, using this trick from Pinterest. I used three colors instead of 2, and I think it turned out quite nice!
Now onto Guided Math!
Chapter 6 was all about the Math Workshop and the advantages and disadvantages of it.
- I really like the idea that students can be working on different learning activities, and even different Math skills. I could have some students working on their multiplication facts, some working a a previously taught skill learned earlier in the week, some doing their Problem Solver and some working on real-world applications for the math that is being taught.
- Some challenges I see are coming up with all the workstations for the students to do. I should have about 15 students this year, so that's 5 groups of 3, 3 groups of 4 and 1 of 3, or 3 groups of 5. I really like the ideas of using task cards to help with the workstations, and I've started bookmarking them at TPT on my wishlist.
- It's important to have routine, routine, routine, and guide the students through your expectations and gradually release the choice to them on what they do and increase their independence as the school year goes on (kinda like the Daily 5 for Math was the impression I got from this chapter)
- Sammons also went into more detail about the different components you could have when doing Math Workshop (Math Journals, Problem Solver, Math Automatically, and Computer Work)
- Organization is key! This is important for any subject, but since math has many manipulatives that are used, they need to be organized in a way the is easy for the kids to understand and well as clean up when they are done.
- If you are one of the lucky people that has a co-teacher or an assistant, she also includes info on how to plan with you co-teachers!
I really liked this chapter, and can't wait to read my Debbie Diller book on the subject, because I think that will make it clearer in my mind. I also think that it will be a lot of trial and error while I'm finding my feet with the new curriculum, and just how I want my classroom to run! But that's a topic for another day! :)
Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn
The beach looks relaxing...I was hiding in my house it was 102 in WI. I think I am going to reread my Debbie Diller book now that I have read the GM book and had some experience with math work stations for one year.
ReplyDeleteSue
The Very Busy Kindergarten
Thanks for sharing your beach picture. I want to read Diller's book next.
ReplyDeleteAlyce
Mrs. Bartel’s School Family
First off super jealous about where you get to spend your day!! I use to live in San Diego and I got to do that almost every day. That is absolutely one of the things I miss most! I am such a reader, and I miss being able to sit at the beach and relax. Second, I absolutely agree with you about Diller's book. It gave me some concrete ideas to apply to a Guided Math framework. If you ever want to chat about it, I'd love to! Trial and error is absolutely going to happen to. That was most of my past 2 years when I started guided math! :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Reaching for the TOP!
Last year, I had 5 stations: Partner Math, Math by Myself, Reading and Writing with Math, Math with Technology (computers, iPods), and Math with IWB (Promethean). I'm including a listening center this year...just not sure if I will replace reading and writing with this or just add as another center.
ReplyDeleteI have descriptions of each center on my blog. Feel free to read over and ask me any questions.
I enjoyed reading your post. I am your newest follower.
Patti
One Class, One Sound