Math Routine

Students receive math instruction at their skill level using a variety of tools and curriculum resources.  We focus on mastering a skill and then spiraling back to increase retention.  During math rotations,  students receive small group instruction and support and then participate in other activities with an emphasis on becoming independent mathematicians. An example of our rotation schedule is below.  You can see students have fun coming up with their group names.

Small Group with Staff: Students are split into four different math groups based on a variety of assessment data.  Myself and my Instructional Assistant each work with two groups for a period of two weeks.  Each day, I pull one group to work on a lesson while another group works on something independently - typically the homework portion I've marked on the grade-level spiraled math sheets I utilize in my classroom.  If they finish early, students access our district provided math software, iReady, for 'independent work'.  I switch groups after about 30 minutes and my IA does the same thing with the two other groups.   The next day, all groups work on the back of each page as independently (see below) as possible and bring it to the staff member they are working with to check and correct. After one week, students take a test for the first time, where guided, immediate, corrective feedback is provided.  After the second week, they take the same test again, hopefully achieving a better score after the previous test analysis. 

We switch which two groups we work with every two weeks so we always know what all the students are working on, their current levels and skills, and allow them to adjust to being taught by different adults

Independent Work: Students attempt to complete questions related to the lesson they were taught the previous day mixed in with a spiral review of previously taught/mastered skills.  Each student turns in their work to the staff they have been working with for immediate correction and feedback.  Students will get quick instruction and modeling to fix any mistakes, as well as reminders on what tools and supports they should be accessing.  If they continue to struggle, they will sit down with staff during math app time to receieve reteaching.  We work hard to help students become independent in accessing the tools they need to complete math independently. 

iReady Math Lesson: i-Ready Mathematics is an online program that provides students of all ages with differentiated instruction and supports them on their individual paths to success.  Students are expected to pass at least three lessons each week with 80% accuracy.   They track this on a software tracking form. 

Learn more about iReady Math here: iReady Family Portal

Math Game: We play a variety of math games, but the most preferred is an online game called Prodigy where students win battles with their friends by completing leveled math problems.  Parents are able to pay for a membership online to give their child further access, but it's not requried. We also work hard to learn different dice, card, and board games.  Math games are an amazing chance to learn math and cooperative skills at the same time.