If you walk into a classroom that implements Guided Math, chances are that it may look different than what you’ve seen before or even thought it would look like. As you begin to implement Guided Math, you may start out one way, but more than likely it will change along the way. What you are about to see is how I implement Guided Math. You will see the units that I have created and am using. My goal is to make my year in math stress-free for me and my students. Of course, stress-free for you as well!!
I have a 90-minute math block. My block is divided as follows:
There is no right or wrong way to divide your Guided Math block. Do what works for you and your students with the time you have allotted for math.
Whole Group/Warm-Up
Before beginning math rotations, I meet with the entire class as a group. During this time, we complete a Problem of the Day, Number of the Day, or Calendar Math. This is also the time that I introduce a new topic or review a previous one and refer to the essential question(s). This is a perfect time to create an anchor chart for students to help with input. In addition, we discuss/review our classroom procedures and expectations for math rotations. As the year progresses, we don’t review procedures every day. We only review them as needed.
Problem of the Day
I project these for the entire class to see. I give them a few minutes to try the problem out on their own, and then we discuss it as a class. If you choose to use them, each topic contains a Problem of the Day.
Number of the Day
Another option is Number of the Day. I often display the Number of the Day on chart paper so that students can continue adding to it through the day. They love this!
Ideas for Number of the Day
- Spell it
- Add 10
- Add 1
- Show it two ways using money
- What comes next?
- Show it in base ten
- Make a number sentence in which the number of the day is the answer.
- Split it in half
- Round it
- Subtract 10
- Add 100
- Subtract 100
- Double it
Introduce Lesson or Review Previous Lesson
What you need to introduce or review a previous lesson is outlined for you in the lesson plan.
Anchor Charts
Each lesson contains an example of an anchor chart that is appropriate for the skill being taught. I like to take a picture of the anchor chart we create, make copies, and have students place them into their notebooks for reference. Students place them on the left side opposite the independent interactive notebook piece.
Lessons are Provided in Three Tiers
Approaching Level ~ This is for the student considered below grade level. These students require more support.
On-Level ~ This is for the student considered on grade level. These students need instruction and will be able to move forward.
Advanced ~ This is for the student considered above grade level. These students need very little instruction. They are ready to move on and will benefit from enrichment.
Work Mats & Manipulatives
When appropriate work mats and printable manipulatives are provided. Ideally, real maniuplatives are ideal, but we all know that they can get expensive. So, if a maniuplative is needed a printable version is provided.
Independent Practice
Each lesson contains an interactive notebook piece. Students independently practice the skill taught.
Pre-/Post-Assessment
Before beginning a unit, I administer the pre-assessment. This guides my decision in placing students in groups.
Journal Prompts
There are a total of 15 journal prompts. Journal prompts can be used during the whole group/warm-up, given to students to complete if they finish a station early, or as a closing activity.
Flip-A-Card Math Stations
I am loving these math stations!!
Flip-A-Card Math Stations are consistent math practice activities and are LOW prep!! They are perfect for math centers/stations with or without using the guided math framework. These math stations can be used over and over again because students create different numbers every time they complete the activity.
Each digit card activity is provided in three levels.
A – Approaching Level (below grade level)
B – On-Level
C – Advanced (on or above grade level)
Prepping Requirements are Easy Peasy!
1.Print the activity cards, and cut them in half.
2.Print and cut digit cards. (Once you have the digit cards made, they can be used for ALL other activities. This is a one time prep!)
3.Print and cut any additional cards. Typically, there is only one additional set; sometimes there aren’t any! Digit cards are used 75% of the time!
Each and every unit contains all the elements that you see above, and there will be a total of 14 units. So far, the following units are complete. The additional units will be complete by December 2016.
