The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.
-Stanley Gudder
Learner-Centered Environment
LCE models all have their time and place
The learner-centered environment is just the start of what makes this M.A.T.H. Rotations Model so awesome. Students work in a variety of customized learning situations. Small group and independent activities are personalized to their learning needs. Each LCE model has its place and time in the classroom.
M.A.T.H. Resources
M.A.T.H. workshop cards are used in the classroom to guide students through their rotations.
M = Making Sense
A = At a Seat
T = Technology or Teacher Time
H = Hands On
Resources
The complete OneDrive folder that includes all of my math resources. I follow the BCPS curriculum and incorporate other resources. Feel free to use them as you see fit with your students!
Number Talks
Number Talks are essential to whole group math learning. Students work on a posted task on a whiteboard or their math journals. Some students may have difficulty with the task and are asked to write a question or something they notice about the problem/solution they were starting. A discussion emerges and I write what what the students say or ask. Number talks are a great way for students to share their thinking and work through demonstrating number sense together. The teacher should be the facilitator in these situations and ONLY the facilitator!
Quick Checks
Observational and anecdotal notes when walking around the room and a quick check are necessary prior to group rotations in each lesson. Quickly assessing the students allows me to responsively group them to prepare for small group instruction. Low and high tech options are out there!  |
Making Sense and At a Seat
Making Sense is a time when students should collaborate with one another. Group discussions and supporting one's thinking are essential during math learning. Students learn when they are problem solving with one another or helping to guide a peer to success. Examples of Making Sense activities can be found in my resource folder.
At a Seat is a time for independent work. Students can engage in a math task, write in their math journals, watch a video that reteaches the skills or strategies from the lesson, or use an online math program that guides their learning. Writing during independent work is extremely important. Students should be able to take what they have learned and explain their thinking using words, numbers and/or symbols.
At a Seat is a time for independent work. Students can engage in a math task, write in their math journals, watch a video that reteaches the skills or strategies from the lesson, or use an online math program that guides their learning. Writing during independent work is extremely important. Students should be able to take what they have learned and explain their thinking using words, numbers and/or symbols.
Technology and Flipped Learning
Technology is a time when students can work on an online program that adjusts to their learning needs. Some free online resources I use in my classroom are listed below. BCPS has purchased Dreambox which works wonderfully in my classroom. However, there are times when I offer other options to keep things interesting.
XtraMath
If your students have access to technology at home or you are like me and enjoy throwing in a flipped video every now and then, there are great sites and videos out there already created! After you find the right video, I strongly suggest you use a learning platform to host it. There are a few great ones below. I rely on OfficeMix because it's easy to use and does everything I want!
