Blog: Math Workshop

While the first half of her class follows a more traditional structure, including a warm-up, mini-lesson, and interactive notes, it is during the second half of class that the students break into their four workshop groups. Each group, of five to six students, travels to either the Meet with Teacher station, Technology station, Hands-On station or does Independent Work at their desk. Mitchell kicked off her math workshop by creating two anchor charts with the classes to set expectations. The first explained what Math Workshop should look like and sound like, as well as defined the student and teacher roles. The second anchor chart defined what materials were required for each station, where each station is located, as well as what to do if there were questions.

Both students and teacher value the Meet with Teacher station as a sacred time during Math Workshop, so those from other stations know to ask someone in their group for help when it is needed and to utilize transition time for question that are teacher focused.

Planning groupings for each station has proven to be an ever-changing aspect of Mitchell’s Math Workshop. She likes to move the furniture around to best fit the station activities. While at the Independent Work station students typically work at their assigned seats. Those working at the Technology station are free to enjoy the flexible seating options available in the classroom, which are strategically placed within eyeshot of the Meet with Teacher station. Mitchell reflects on the Technology station's content and identifies that consistency within the assignments has allowed her students to be more independent and successful.