Grade Level: 3rd through 5th grade, but can be used by any student with a word problem goal.
Content Area: Math
Lesson Title: Solving Word Problems Using the CUBES Method
Learning Objective: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.3 Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies, including rounding.
I try very hard to keep my videos around 7-10 minutes. I have had the most student success and engagement when I keep my videos relatively short.
My students love being able to “pause me” and jot down notes while watching videos. During my live in-person lessons, my students often say that I talk too fast (I’m a stickler for staying on schedule), so this allows them to slow down the lesson to the pace that works best for their learning style.
At the beginning of every quarter, I create a resource folder for each student.
In their folder, they will find each lesson's guided notes and practice activities. My students prefer to have paper copies instead of digital copies. This helps them stay organized, and taking notes while watching the video is much easier. Some students find it hard to go back and forth between tabs. It is also helpful when students need to take their notes home to review/study (not every student can access a computer at home).
My school is currently using iReady Math. This makes it super easy for me to search resources and choose the practice activity that best aligns with the standard and their current goal. Sometimes, I add visuals as a helpful resource to help guide students.
The iReady curriculum we use has an assessment connected to each lesson.
I often use them as mastery checks when applicable, but modified.
I like to keep my mastery checks around four to six questions that cover the four Depth of Knowledge levels.
Since my students have different IEP goals, I find it helpful to list my whole-class tracker by week instead of by lesson.
I keep the tracker semi-private by allowing students to go by a chosen emoji instead of by name.