Math Workshop and Math Tubs

Math Workshop is officially underway! Just like Reader's and Writer's Workshop, we start each workshop session with a whole group mini lesson. Sometimes I might introduce/review a math concept, or I might explain a new game/activity the kids will be doing that day. Then, the students break off into center groups and we rotate through each center. The students follow a workboard and a schedule of rotations based on what group they are in.

For Teacher's Choice, students meet with me to work on a particular skill or concept at their level. We use manipulatives, whiteboards, clipboard activities, and other tools to practice these skills. The activities for each group vary based on the needs of each group. Just like with Reading, I want students to be engaged in "just right" activities that are not too hard or too easy!

While I am teaching, the other two groups are working independently at Hands-On and At Your Seat. Both of these centers reinforce skills previously taught or provide practice for fundamental concepts we have been working on.

At the Hands-On center, students are typically engaged in a game or tasks that involve math manipulatives- either with a partner or in small groups. 

For At Your Seat work, students are working independently on an activity to practice certain skills.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, Math Tubs are always every Friday! The tubs are filled with activities/games from the week to practice. Some groups also play math games on the computer and read math books. The schedule rotates each week and the activities in the tubs change. During this time, I meet with small groups and do small informal assessments to help me plan what skills will be taught the following week with each group.