Students will spend about 5 minutes at the beginning of each period reviewing either math facts or unit-specific math vocabulary. 

For fact review we are using Math Fact Lab.  It helps students identify where they need help and adjusts according to their progress.  Additionally, the program uses visual models such as number lines, groupings, arrays, etc so that students are developing a deeper understanding and not just memorizing the facts.  Please know, students can utilize the page we created and Math Fact Lab any time at home or when finished assignments in school.

During a vocab-centered bell work, students will review vocab words generated by the teacher for the unit they are studying at that time.  We used Flippity to generate the cards.  The website offers a variety of ways students can review the terms to meet their needs.  Our hope is that students will begin to confidently use these words when during math activities and assignments.  Please note, these vocabulary words will be on our students' unit math assessments.  

MAP® Accelerator™ is an online differentiated math program, co-developed with Khan Academy.  This supplementary math learning tool works hand in hand with student's performance on the MAP assessment we already have in place.  Students will receive personalized instruction based on their needs and strengths.  Khan Academy provides the information using engaging videos while MAP provides the questions to develop their understanding.  With our curriculum students will have one period of independent work on this a week.  However, they are encouraged to continue their work in the program at home or when finished assignments in school  

A skill that we want our students to develop is the ability to notice and wonder when presented with a problem.  This routine will help them in many facets of life.  Students who utilize this strategy when presented with a math problem develop a deeper understanding of what the question is asking and what they need to do.  We are using 3 Act Tasks to help students become comfortable with this skill while also getting them to communicate and collaborate with their classmates.  3 Act Tasks utilize video and student curiosity to boost engagement and mathematical thinking.  Click here to see what other professionals say about this best practice!

Slow Reveal Graphs are a great way to engage students and get them talking about data!  It is amazing that by leaving information out, we are getting our students to understand the situation more!  The data in these graphs are relevant and student-centered, making math much more enjoyable.   Click here to see what other professionals say about this best practice. 

Gamification is a great way to hook our learners.  However, it also provides a chance for students to develop mathematical strategies, learn from mistakes, and review facts and algorithms.  Feel free to encourage your child to utilize these games at home as a way to build skills and share with you what they are learning in math.  For more information on the importance of games in the classroom, click here!