Daily 5 Math

We are all in summer mode, but let's be honest... we all know that we have thought about next year, maybe ordered supplies, or created To-Do lists. As much as I don't want to, I have been thinking about how I would like to work on my math workshop for next year. All throughout my school, the workshop model is implemented. Our students are at a variety of levels, therefore differentiation is imperative. With that in mind... let's look at how I utilize Math Workhop!

Math workhshop in my first grade classroom is set up like the Daily 5. We have Math with the Teacher, Math by Myself, Math with Someone, Write about Math, and Math with Technology. The students rotate through these during their one hour math block. To begin, I give a pretest to determine my groups. From there, I group the students based on need and content area. I meet with each group for 15 minutes, and provide them with differentiated instruction. When they come to math with the teacher, no lesson looks the same. This takes a lot of planning, but I know I'm meeting the needs of each learner. While I'm meeting, the students rotate through a variety of centers. Take a look... 

Math by Myself - during this rotation, the students are expected to sit at their seats and works silently. This independent work usually comes from the Everyday Math workbook, worksheets, or individual projects. The students are held accountable for their work by turning it all in on Friday. 

This shows an example checklist that I make for each student. It shows their rotations for the week. They have gotten in a great habit of checking things off as they go. All the papers they need for the week are stapled there in one place! 

Each student has a math folder to keep their materials organized. 

Folders and iPads are kept in a central location. 

Math with Someone - during this rotation, students work with a partner. Somteimes I assign them, and sometimes I let them choose their own. The activities that they work on are usually task cards. However, there are times when they will get to play a game, or choose a math center. The expectation is that they produce quality partner work and use 6 inch voices to ensure those around them can concentrate. 

Students work together to figure out task card problems! 

These centers stay the same all year. This is a great "go-to" in case of early finishers! 

Write about Math - I knew that I needed to incorporate writing in math as much as I could. My students are young and they are only going to benefit from this practice early on. Thankfully, I found this AMAZING resource that I use to help my students grow in this. Go check it out HERE! 

Math with Technology - this is probably one of the student favorites! I have 7 iPads in my room! At the beginning of the year, I found a variety of free apps that the students would love. In addition, we installed IXL. Typically, this is what the students complete during the technology rotation. Every once and awhile, I will let them choose a math game. My biggest advice with this is that you have to monitor them closely, and set the expectations early on. If any of their graded centers are not completed, they are not allowed to use the iPad. 

We LOVE QR codes in math! 

 Next year, I would like to try and make my math block longer and incorproate mini lessons. This is one of the pieces that my math workshop is missing. Right now, we use math talks, MARS tasks, and reengagement lessons, but use the whole block. If I could find 15 minutes to spare (good luck, right?) I'd like to add that component. 

Here are some products that will help you get started with Math Workshop! 

    Daily 5 Math Planning Pages

Math Extravaganza