Just as an overview, in case you missed us, we presented sessions on the following topics: An Overview of Guided Math, The 1st 20/30 Days of Guided Math, Wild and Wacky Workstations, and Math Interactive Notebooks. We were so blessed to be able to share our ideas, thoughts, and resources with math educators who are currently, or are trying to overhaul the traditional math classroom, and provide a student-centered learning environment that is based on the needs of each of their students. So, let's talk Guided Math!
What is Guided Math?
Guided Math allows you to provide scaffolding and assistance to all students, whether your GT student, or a struggling learner. But, let's be real...setting it up and finding success is NOT an easy task. It takes planning, organization, and time- something most teachers will always tell you they never have enough of. So, this is where we come in! Here are some quick tips to setting up your classroom for Guided Math:
1. Rome was not built in a day, and neither is a successful Guided Math classroom. It takes time! So, some of you may be asking, "Where do I start?" Easy. At the beginning. In order for any new structure to be effective, the students have got to truly have time to practice it and understand it. Modeling is a teacher's best friend, and it will take a lot of that. We cannot expect children to be able to do something they have not had time to readily practice. So, decide what expectations are crucial for your success at this. Some things we consider to be fundamentally necessary here are routines and procedures for whole group, small group and workstations. These are your BIG 3, and they are the glue that truly hold the model together.
2. Don't be discouraged if it isn't pretty. This is HUGE! Remember, you are overhauling your classroom in a sense. Does a kitchen remodel look clean and perfect, with no mistakes? Hardly. So, as you remodel your math block with students, get ready to get messy! Mistakes are how we learn, and this goes for students as well. If they make mistakes when reviewing or practicing your routines and procedures, it is going to be okay. Revisit the things that didn't go so well and discuss, but don't forget to praise what went right! If you have a classroom community of learners, they are more likely to work together to get it right. Because, let's face it, kids LOVE their teachers and seek their approval, and the last thing they want is to disappoint you.
3. Finally, consistency is key. You MUST stay consistent in your expectations, and if things are not how you want them, have fair and just consequences for all. Students will easily pick up on things they can get away with, such as playing around in a workstation, if you don't do anything about it. But, if you truly own the closure model of guided math- meeting as a group for 5 minutes at the end of the block to discuss roses (highlights) and thorns (areas to improve), your students will continue to realize that they must be accountable. If not, there are consequences. Before you know it, those meetings will focus solely on roses, with thorns few and far between!
If you are looking for a way to plan for your future Guided Math classroom, click the link below for our FREE planning tool.
What is Guided Math?
Guided Math allows you to provide scaffolding and assistance to all students, whether your GT student, or a struggling learner. But, let's be real...setting it up and finding success is NOT an easy task. It takes planning, organization, and time- something most teachers will always tell you they never have enough of. So, this is where we come in! Here are some quick tips to setting up your classroom for Guided Math:
1. Rome was not built in a day, and neither is a successful Guided Math classroom. It takes time! So, some of you may be asking, "Where do I start?" Easy. At the beginning. In order for any new structure to be effective, the students have got to truly have time to practice it and understand it. Modeling is a teacher's best friend, and it will take a lot of that. We cannot expect children to be able to do something they have not had time to readily practice. So, decide what expectations are crucial for your success at this. Some things we consider to be fundamentally necessary here are routines and procedures for whole group, small group and workstations. These are your BIG 3, and they are the glue that truly hold the model together.
2. Don't be discouraged if it isn't pretty. This is HUGE! Remember, you are overhauling your classroom in a sense. Does a kitchen remodel look clean and perfect, with no mistakes? Hardly. So, as you remodel your math block with students, get ready to get messy! Mistakes are how we learn, and this goes for students as well. If they make mistakes when reviewing or practicing your routines and procedures, it is going to be okay. Revisit the things that didn't go so well and discuss, but don't forget to praise what went right! If you have a classroom community of learners, they are more likely to work together to get it right. Because, let's face it, kids LOVE their teachers and seek their approval, and the last thing they want is to disappoint you.
3. Finally, consistency is key. You MUST stay consistent in your expectations, and if things are not how you want them, have fair and just consequences for all. Students will easily pick up on things they can get away with, such as playing around in a workstation, if you don't do anything about it. But, if you truly own the closure model of guided math- meeting as a group for 5 minutes at the end of the block to discuss roses (highlights) and thorns (areas to improve), your students will continue to realize that they must be accountable. If not, there are consequences. Before you know it, those meetings will focus solely on roses, with thorns few and far between!
If you are looking for a way to plan for your future Guided Math classroom, click the link below for our FREE planning tool.
We hope you enjoy and that you will come back and see us! We have BIG things in store for this blog and will continue to update and improve it weekly! :)
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ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I was one of many who were not able to get into several of your sessions, but I am extremely thankful for the ones I did get into! I like many others struggle with the beginning of the year and getting set up. I truly feel like you are going to help a lot of teachers in improving instruction! Thank y'all so much for the amazing information you are sharing!
ReplyDeleteAutumn Buch
Thank you for such kind words Autumn! We are so glad that you were able to get into some sessions at CAMT and get some of our materials. We are so blessed to be able to work in a field that we love, helping educators just like you. Best of luck as you get ready for a new year! If you have questions or need anything, feel free to contact us! :)
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