A Teacher's Guide to Math Workshop

Ya'll, I have been working on this since last year!  What?  It has been a huge under taking but I am glad to say that it is now FINISHED!  What an accomplishment!?!?!!!  This baby has taken so many hours to put together.  It is my Teacher's Guide to Math Workshop.  When I taught math for four years, most of them were spent using the math workshop (or guided math.. same thing) model.  I had so many ideas and plans of what worked for me that I wanted to share with all of you.  There are a few posts here on the blog, but this guide goes into great detail (107 pages to be exact) and also has freebies for you.  Through the weekend I am offering it to you for only $5!  Say what?  After that it will be regularly priced at $10.  So, grab yours now.  Here's the information from my shop.

Have you wanted to join in on all the guided math fun but are not sure how to get started? This 100+ page guide is intended for teachers who want to learn more about implementing the guided math/math workshop model in their classroom. This file does not contain actual math lessons, but it is a great instructional resource. This file goes through step-by-step procedures of how I have made it work for me for the past three years. It also includes photos and files of my classroom, things I use in my classroom, and resources that you can download. Basically, I took all the information I would normally deliver to a workshop class, and typed it out for you in the format of a guide. This guide includes:

• Reflecting on your own math instruction.
• What is math workshop?
• What does math workshop look like?
• Why should you use math workshop?
• Relating reading workshop and math workshop.
• Math workshop scheduling
• All Math Workshop Components in detail with photos (activating strategies, mini-lessons, guided small groups, math calendar, math workstations.)
• Resources I use during activating learning, mini-lessons, small groups, math calendar, and workstations.
• Free workstation sample
• Assessment Tools (ideas for recording and tracking data from pre/post tests and weekly assessments.)
• Rotation Poster
• Basket & Bin labels for workstation baskets and workstation storage.
• Storage and organization ideas.

This is a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about using the guided math / math workshop model in your classroom.

Here's the link to grab your now... CLICK HERE.

And here's a preview of some of the pages.  You can also click them to go to my shop.

 I hope you enjoy it.  I am really excited to be able to share it with you :)

Math Workshop Guide Preview & Sale

Hey, ya'll!

Over the past month, I have posted several things on TpT.  Don't think I haven't been watching my wishlist followers grow.  I wanted to provide an opportunity for all of you to purchase some things and clear
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Guided Math: Chapter 1

Okay... I'll admit that I am behind the times with the Guided Math book study.  It seems like every time I turn around it's a new chapter.  Well, I'm determined to post on each chapter since I use this model in my math classroom every day.  I also have tons of information on my blog under my Guided Math Tab.  I will also be linking these posts up there as well.  Okay... on to the book study!

Chapter 1
This chapter really lays the foundation of why guided math is so important in mathematics instruction.  Guided reading seems to be such a natural method of teaching reading instruction.  However, guided math is a new concept to many.  It truly takes all the components of effective math instruction and brings it all together into an instructional model that provides conceptual understanding and rigor to math concepts.

The last part of chapter 1 discusses the daily components of guided math.  You can find more information about my daily/weekly schedule here.  I did want to briefly share a visual representation similar to the one on pg. 30.  This is my weekly schedule at a glance. {PLEASE CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR THE PDF FILE}

I only use all the components of guided math on Tuesdays - Thursdays.  On these days, my instruction usually consists of HW reviewing, mini-lesson with activating strategy, math workshop, summarizing strategy, and math journaling.  Mondays and Fridays are the days set aside for whole class instruction, calendar review, distributing HW for the week, Exemplars, and assessments.  This seems to work well for me, and I love how I have two days set aside a week to complete whole group activities and instruction.  I will be posting chapter 2 soon so stay tuned!  I have to play catch up... we are on chapter 5 right now.  Maybe one a day?  If I'm lucky... lol

Guided Math Workshop Survey

Hi there!  In July, I will host a 2-day guided math workshop for K-3 teachers at my school {I'm so nervous}!  I am interested in getting information about what teachers {like you} are interested in.  I have created a very short {4 question} survey about what you would like to get out of a guided math workshop.  Best thing.... I am going to post my workshop presentation and everything I presented here on this blog!  My workshop isn't until July 24th & 25th so I still have a ways to go.  However, I need to get started on my presentation ASAP!!  I would love for you to take no more than 5 minutes to help me out.  You can access the survey by clicking the link below.

Guided Math Workshop Survey

Thanks!

Free Lesson Plan Template & Common Core Classroom Helpers: 1st Grade

Hey, Ya'll!  This summer has been super busy.  It's amazing at the difference of your free time when going from one child to two!  I actually think I had more free time when school was in.  However, I am SO enjoying my stay at home time with my two sweet boys! I have managed to find a few moments of time here and there to think about next year.  I saw a guided reading plan on Pinterest and thought it would be a great idea to incorporate these in my guided math planning.  It is so easy to have all three groups do the same exact activity, but to modify it in ways to help them understand.  Listen to me carefully...THIS.IS.NOT.THE.WAY.IT.SHOULD.BE.  Although this way is fine, I want to truly differentiate for my students.  I'm thinking the only major difference will be between my struggling group and my other two.  One of the two is to remediate at a higher level, and the third group will be to remediate & advance.  So, I figured that if I MADE myself plan that way, then it will get done.  So, here's what I have come up with.  It's free.... you can have it!  Click the format you would like to download below the photo.

PDF                 WORD

I used Pea Celestial Creation font from Kevin & Amanda.  Get it {FREE}!

I have also been hard at work creating Common Core Essentials for classrooms.  Right now, I have fourth and first grade.  I've previously posted about 4th grade.  Last night I completely finished my 1st grade.  Here's some previews.  You can buy the vocabulary cards and 'I Can' statements separate at $6 each, or you can buy them bundled for $10 and save.

Common Core Vocabulary Cards, $6

Common Core 'I Can' Statements, $6

Here's the bundle.  Both coordinating resources for only $10.

My next set is 3rd grade.  Then, I will be working on some 4th grade ELA sets. If you have a grade you would like me to create, please comment below with your request.  Enjoy ;-)   Due to the amount of requests received via email, I am currently not accepting any new requests at this time.  I hope you all understand.  Thanks so much for your support!  It is greatly appreciated.

Math Work Stations: Spring 2012

I know I have posted about my math work stations before, but my classroom is forever evolving.  I change things so often that everything rarely stays the same year after year.

Here's the Spring 2012 version!!

{Hi there!}  Laura Candler @ Corkboard Connections is hosting an awesome linky party about math work stations.  I wanted to share some of my ideas about my work stations.  First of all, I have an awesome poster that I made.  I meant to take pictures of it, but I don't have any!!  ARGHHH!  Anywho, it's basically a poster that I created in Word and enlarged on our poster machine.  If I find it, I will link it here so you can see.  It basically has 4 rows and 4 columns.  Each row represents each group and each column represents each rotation.  I have 4 because I have a label for each one. I really only have 3 groups.  I have it laminated so I can write the groups in since I change my groups every week according to our assessments we take on Fridays.  Now to the fun part.... where I have pictures!

This is a picture of where my stations are stored.  The magazine holders on the very top of the picture are actually labeled with concepts like number sense, geometry, measurement, computations, 99 & 100 charts, etc...  This is where I store my stations I am not using.  The baskets on top of the brown bookcase are baskets where my students turn in work, one for each subject I teach.  The larger baskets on the shelves are where my stations are stored.  Each basket has a laminated label {station 1, etc} that is attached to the basket with two zip ties.  All of these items were purchased from www.reallygoodstuff.com

If students need additional materials to complete the station, I usually try to have everything in the basket.

 Here's a closer look at the station basket.  For each station, I use a pocket folder {with or without prongs... doesn't matter to me}.  On the lower right corner of the folder, I have a label that matches the magazine holder where it is stored.  For example, this station is actually a geometry standard so it would go in the geometry bin when not in use.  You can see how the zip ties hold the label here.  These have stood up to 9-10 year-olds for two years now!!

Here's the same station opened.  I have everything the students need to complete the station in the folder or in the basket.  In this particular station, students used copy paper to stamp several types of quadrilaterals.  Students then had to describe the quadrilaterals by their properties.

Here's another station.  For the stations that have cards {and there's a lot!} I have these awesome file folder game plastic storage pockets that I bought from The School Box years ago!  What's so awesome is they are SUPER sticky on the back.  All you do is peel the paper and stick these handy pockets wherever you need a place to store paper goods like cards.

Okay, I have been implementing math stations for 4 years now, and I still didn't have a system I liked for keeping up with which stations the students had completed.  I wanted a way so they could keep up with their own work and be responsible learners.  Then, I went on maternity leave and my long-term sub came up with this awesome idea!

I wish I could take credit for this, but I can't.  The students were doing this when I returned, and I fell in love with it.  Each child has his/her own hanging file folder in a crate {Wal-Mart always has these when school starts.  I think they are like $3.. I <3 them}.  My sub put their name on some post-it flags and tagged their folder that way.  Post-it actually has some self-stick labels that I am going to try next year.  I'm just not so sure the flags would stand up to an entire school year.  Within each folder, each student  has their station check-list and all their 'PROOF.'  Students must save all recording sheets, etc. from each station.  When the end of the station rotations are over {meaning when every student has completed each station} then everything in the folder will be collected and graded.  Each student should have a station check-list and a PROOF sheet for each station they have completed.  

The check-list is on top and some PROOF sheets are behind it.  These are all in one student's folder.  BTW- these are GREAT for parent-teacher conferences.

Here's a closer picture of the check-list.  Each station has the title of the station below the station number.  I use 9 stations because I just like the way the table is even with 3 rows & 3 columns... yeah, I know!  Leave me alone... I'm THAT kind of teacher! lol!  Do you notice the stamps?  That was also my sub's idea.  Who knew that students would enjoy stamping so much?

Beside the folders on the counter, I have a clear container that holds a variety of stamps {good job, super, awesome, etc.}.  I also have a scented ink pad {they love that it's scented} for the students to use.  Once a station is complete, the students must date the box where the station is listed and stamp it.  Then, they store it in their folder for the next day.

I'm pretty sure I left something out because I am also THAT kind of teacher!  I think I have finally found something that works for my classroom, and I am 12 different kinds of happy!

Let me know if you plan on adapting yours to include something from here.  I would love to hear from you all!

Guided Math: Part 4

Okay, so it took long enough!  My life is just all sorts of crazy right now.... let's see... I'm a wife who actually enjoys cooking, a mom to a 2 year old boy and soon to be (Feb. 1) a new baby boy, a full-time teacher of 4th grade students, an active church member, and a full-time graduate student pursuing my Ed.S.   So, do I have enough going on or what?  I'm basically just trying to survive my last two semesters of grad. school.  I'm so looking forward to May 2012!  I do enjoy blogging, and I really want to find push time in my schedule to do it more often.

Okay.. back to math!  I just {LOVE} my math calendar that I created for my fourthies.  It's a wonderful way to get them working on a variety of skills while I am working with a small group.  I have mentioned my calendar in previous posts, but I wanted to devote an entire post just to it... that's how much I love it! This year, my principal got wind of it and offered to bind my books for me!  How awesome is that?  If I were a genius I would produce these puppies and sell them.  Instead, I do sell them on my TpT storehttp://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Calendar-K-5 for like five bucks.  All you have to do is make the desired copies and bind them together.  Last year, I used comb binding because it was cheap-o and what I had available.  This year, I was able to get them spiral bound which is A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!  I also got my other forthie teachers on board, and we are all using them this year!  The kiddos just love having their very own special book with their name on it :)

Here's my new math calendar!  {LOVE} the spiral binding.

Here's the inside!

These are the two pages the students write on and solve problems.  These two pages go along with our math calendar board.

Close-up of left page

Close-up of right page

Back of the front cover.  Math reference sheet for students to use when working.

Back of back cover.  4th grade GP standards.

Very back of back cover.  All our 4th grade vocabulary words!

The math calendar is where they write everything down from our math calendar board.  Our math calendar board is a simple area on my whiteboard that is divided into twelve sections.  Each section correlates to a section in their own calendar.

Here is the calendar board.  Students work on the same calendar for the entire week.  The calendar is part of their guided math 15 minute rotations.  

Here's the schedule we follow..

Monday- 

Review & go over math calendar from previous week

Tuesday-

15 minute rotation

Wednesday-

15 minute rotation

Thursday-

15 minute rotation

Friday-

Students may complete calendar once they finish their weekly assessment

**By the end of the week, students will have over 45 minutes of calendar work time**

The calendar is a combination of standards we will work on all year.  It's a spiral review and build upon prior knowledge and upcoming knowledge.  I label the twelve sections with letters.  Here's what each section/letter is about :)

A) Problem from the past

B) Problem from the present

C) Problem from the future

D) Money problem

E) Time problem

F) Fraction problem

G) Multiplication problem

H) Place value problem

I) Division problem

J) Rounding problem

K) Measurement problem

L) Vocabulary

You can purchase my math calendar template from last year by visiting my TpT store.  It's a little different than the one I use today, but the overall concept is the same.  Grab it..  it's only $3.00!!  You can also view sample images before you buy :)

This is the fourth part of my guided math series.  Let me know what else you would like to know about. Maybe I'll feature your suggestion in my next guided math series.

Questions??  Leave them below.

Guided Math: Part 3

First of all, thanks for being patient!  Graduate school is really kicking my bottom these days.  I'm taking two courses this summer, and I think it's a little more than I can chew.  Do you ever feel like you bite off more than you can chew?  I do.. ALL THE TIME!  Anyways........

So, you may be wondering.........

What Do I Use as My Stations?

Well, I use a lot of different things.  When I started using stations in my classroom, I simply took our 4th grade frameworks from the Georgia Performance Standards and turned those into stations.  These are W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!  I wish I could direct you to them.  The state BOE recently uploaded them to a secure sign in area where only Georgia educators can use them...  I'm sorry :(  If anyone in GA knows of a way to share these wonderful resources, please comment below.  A lot of my other stations are just things the other 4th grade teacher and myself think of.  Sometimes they just come to us and we are like, "we gotta write that down!"  Sometimes it's simple things and sometimes I'm pretty impressed!  Here's one the kiddos love:

• For this station you will need an egg carton, two beans, and a recording sheet (I quickly made one on the computer).  In 4th grade, we focus a lot on multiplication, but you could use this idea for addition or subtraction.  You can draw one-digit numbers on the bottom of the area that hold the egg or you can cut out small numbers and glue them.  Students roll the two beans to get a two digit number.  They record this number as their first factor.  They roll the two again to get a second two-digit number, then they multiply the two.  They do this several times to practice multiplication.  You can use one bean or two according to your needs.

Here's another to help with money and estimating:

• For this station you will need a local grocery store ad.  I usually visit their webpage and print it out in color and place in protective sheets.  Use the recording sheet.  Students should list ten items they would like to purchase.  Write the estimate for each item, how much they estimate to spend, and then find the actual total.  Remember to have them answer the questions comparing their estimate to the actual total.

I wanted to share a few things that I DO NOT do:

• I do not use board games as a station.  These take way too long and the kiddos usually don't have time to practice the skill due to the time it takes to read and understand rules.
• I do not consider drill & practice to be a station.
• Worksheets or busy work are not stations.

Once I get back in my classroom, I am looking forward to sharing one station a week that I use in my classroom.  Here's two to get you started.  Remember that a lot of my stations can be adapted for younger grades, and all of them use things you can find around your classroom.  Most of these are stations I've created or my partner across the hall :)

Here is a Q & A about my stations (these actual questions were asked by my readers :)

Q: How many students work on a station at a time?
A: Two students work on a station at a time.  Maybe three if needed.

Q: Do you assign station partners?
A: YES!  This is important because these students will be working together during guided math time.  I also usually try to group 'like' abilities that way you don't have one person doing all the work or working ahead while one is left behind.

Q: Do you take your stations for a grade?
A: No, but I do require them to keep them in their math folder.  If I think a group isn't working and doing what needs to be done, I will check their folder.  I let the students know this.  Usually, the kiddos love the stations and are more than willing to do the work.

Q: Do you follow a station schedule or do the students complete what stations they need?
A: I do follow a schedule.  I've tried to have it where the students were responsible for their schedule, but I ended up having 2-4 groups that needed the same station on the same day.  At the beginning of a new unit (or new station rotation) I will assign each group a station.  Then, they just follow in order.  For example, if you completed station #7 today then you will complete station #8 tomorrow.

Q: How long do your stations usually last?
A: I have 15 minute rotations so my stations last 15 minutes.

Q: If a student doesn't finish a station, do you enforce them to finish it?
A: On Fridays I may allow time, but usually not.  Most of them have ample amount of time to finish them during the given time.

Let me know of any other questions you may have by commenting below :)  I'm looking forward to reading them!

Stay tuned, Guided Math: Part 4 will be coming soon!!!

Guided Math: Part 4
My Math Calendar

Guided Math: Part 2

How do I Group & What's My Schedule?

How do I Group?

Figuring out how to group your students is one of the more difficult tasks of guided math.  It took me a long time {practically all year} to find what worked for me.  What works for me may not work for you.  We are all different, our teaching styles are different, and our students are different.  I wanted a way to group my students so they could change groups.  I wanted them to be able to 'move up' once they mastered a particular skill, and I didn't want them with the same kiddos every time.  How could I do this and how will it work?

Every Friday I give a short {no more than 10 questions} weekly assessment.  This assessment has some things we have already introduced in class and some things we will introduce the following week.    

What it is:

o different every week

o quick

o used for the following week's instruction

o standards-based questions

o easy to grade

o used to drive instruction

What it isn't:

o an assessment that should take longer than 10 minutes

o the same standard asked 10 different ways

o end of the unit test/quiz

o something that will never be looked at

o summative

So every Friday my students complete this assessment.  I then {quickly} highlight the questions the students got incorrect.  I then take that information to help me form my groups for the following week.  The great thing about my schedule {which we'll talk about later in this post} is that I have Friday & Monday to grade these assessments and put the kiddos in groups.  Depending on how a students does depends on the group he/she will be in the following week.  My groups do not stay the same every week.  I try to already have the groups posted on Monday so the kiddos will know what group they will be in for Tuesday {our 1st day of guided math}.  Again, I will post pictures when I get back in my classroom.  The picture below is a photo {and link for printing} of my groups poster.  This is where I write the students' names for which group they will be in.  Since I have two math classes I have two of these posters {one for each class} posted in my room.  *Please note that sometimes I have 3 groups and sometimes I have 4 groups.  Last year I had 3 groups in one math class and 4 in my other math class.  I'm not sure what my classes will be like this upcoming school year.  If you would like me to make a poster for a different number of groups let me know :)

During our guided math, we review some problems from the assessment {the ones they missed} and do more examples.  Also, I do not do a lot of talking during this time.  I let students lead discussion and guided the group.  It's amazing what these kiddos can do with just a little guidance.  When school starts back, I'm so looking forward to actually recording one of these sessions for you to watch.

What's My Schedule?

Okay, so guided math will definitely put you on a tight schedule!  I'm constantly looking at my watch to make sure I get started on time.  If you don't have a timer... get one!  There's a timer on the SMARTboard that the kiddos love because it plays different tones.  However, I have yet to learn how to make it start over automatically after each rotation.  If someone knows how to do this I would LOVE to know.  Usually, I just use a hand timer that counts down and beeps.  The kiddos are pretty good at hearing the beep and automatically doing what needs to be done!

FYI- I have 100 minutes of math time {per class} each day.  We have a core & more.  I teach my curriculum and guided math during our core time.  During more time is when we complete enrichment activities.  So, here's the schedule I follow every week for my core time.  I am going to explain each day for you :)

o Monday- we do not conduct guided math on Mondays.  We always complete or grade an Exemplar, have a whole group lesson, and review the previous week's Math Calendar.

o Tuesday - Thursday: {we follow the same schedule each day}

First 5 minutes of class: review homework from previous night.  On Mondays, when we have no homework to review, I have students spend this time writing their HW in their agenda for the week.

15 Minutes: mini-lesson {which is determined by pacing guided}

15 Minutes: rotation 1

15 Minutes: rotation 2

15 Minutes: rotation 3

10 Minutes: seat reflection in journal

o Friday- this is the day I have my students complete the weekly assessment to drive instruction for the following week and we have a unit assessment OR whole group lesson.  YES- some Fridays we have two assessments.  But, please remember that the guided math assessment is only 10 questions!

Don't Miss Guided Math: Part 3

What I Use As My Stations

*Questions? Comments?  Something you want me talk more about?  Leave them below :)

Guided Math, Part 1

So... I've had A LOT of people ask me about my guided math model I use in my classroom along with the components of it {i.e. stations, calendar, etc.}.  There's SO MUCH for me to share that for the sake of time and my sanity, I'm going to have to present it to you in parts.  So, here's Part 1.  We'll call this 'The Setup' of my classroom.  I really wish it wasn't summer vacation so I could take you on a video tour of my classroom.  Maybe I'll edit this post once I get back in my room with a video component.  Until then.... I'll just have to give details and a few pictures.

Please Note: just because I teach 4th grade doesn't mean a 1st or 2nd grade teacher can't use these ideas.  I think it will work great with any grade.  I have been in a first grade classroom where the students were amazing and very independent during reading centers while the teacher was conducting guided reading.... IT CAN BE DONE! :)

The Setup

Before I begin, please know that my room is very large.  I have one of the largest rooms in the school {Lucky Me!}.  However, this model can be done in a small classroom, but you have to be SUPER careful where you set things up.  Even though my room is large, I make sure to have the least disruptive environment WHILE giving the students a chance to talk and share.

For Guided Math, I have four areas of my classroom I use on a daily basis.

o Whole Group Area- this is where my mini-lessons take place.  In this area I have a whiteboard on the wall, a SMARTboard, a small carpet area, and a wheasel {I love my wheasel}!  During Mini-lessons, we only spend about 15 minutes here everyday.  This area is located at the font of my classroom.  Also, I want to add that I do not have student desks.  I have two trapezoid tables put together to form a hexagon.  I have five of these.  At first, I was reluctant to have tables, but I love the way it encourages collaboration with my students.

oSmall Group Area- this is where I conduct my guided math to my students.  In this area I have a kidney-shaped table, whiteboards, dry-erase markers, paper, pencils, and a shelf that stores any extra materials I will need for the day like manipulatives.  I had an issue with having enough space to put as many chairs as I needed.  I have big kids so the chairs are adult size.  To solve this problem, I added a few stools to fit where chairs would not.

oCalendar Area- I use my math calendar that I created as one of my rotations during guided math.  I like to use it because it is a spiral review of concepts taught all year long.  Students complete one calendar per week.  I made an area on my whiteboard for each section of my math calendar {I have two whiteboards in my room.  This whiteboard is different from the one I use for mini-lessons}.  I used blue painters tape to separate the sections.  However, this year I'm going to use the cute zebra print duct tape :)  Here's a picture of the board the students work from.

oStation Area- This area is probably the kids' favorite place to go.  They love stations!  Although I have all my stations located in one place, it's really not that bad considering only 6-7 students are there at a time {more on that later}.  If you have a lot of kids going to stations at the same time, I would recommend having two or three different areas around the room to house the stations.  This way, one area of the classroom will not always be congested.  I've posted this picture before, but this is what my station area looks like.  Nothing fancy.

My stations are on the bookcase in the tubs.  The baskets on top of the bookcase are where my students turn in their work.  The magazine holders above the bookcase is where I store all stations not being used at the time.

Here's a rough draft of my room layout.  I'm really looking forward to using my new Flip camera once I get back to school and get everything put back together.  I just made this real quick in Word to give you an idea of how my room is setup.  

It's important to know that...

oCalendar work is independent.  There is no talking.

oSmall Group is student-led with little teacher direction.

oStations are usually completed at the front of the room on the floor or at collaborative groups with a partner.  Students are allowed to whisper.  

oStudents know that stations are NOT to be completed near the small group table. 

oWhole group instruction is led by the teacher AND guided by the students.

Okay, so this is my... 

Guided Math Part 1

I hope it wasn't too much information.  Here's what's coming up for part 2:

How Do I Group & What's My Schedule?

I'm leaving for vacation Saturday morning.  I MAY BE {this is a BIG may be} able to post it tomorrow.  We'll see!

Please leave me feedback {as comments} on whether or not this was useful.  I hope this has answered some questions that some of you were asking.  I know there are many other questions.  I'll get to those, I promise :)

Have a fantastic evening!