Made it Monday, WINNER, Chapter 5 Guided Math

Made It Monday

the bulge is the back brace . . . I can't help but comment on it :-/

Gushy moment BUT I am SOOO in love with this man :) He spoils me with his love!

Next Monday Made It will show how I transform and "cutesified" some other containers I use!

Review and Reflect Guided Math ch. 5

1. How does using flexible, needs-based grouping affect student learning? How can it affect teaching strategies employed by teachers?
     I believe flexible, needs-based grouping provides students with the best instruction to meet their current academic needs. It seeks to provide students with instruction that is right at their level. It allows the teacher to scaffold the lesson to a limited amount of students. The lower teacher-student ratio also maximizes the students learning because the teacher is better able to assist the students in any way they need. Another awesome aspect of this type of instruction is that the students are grouped with similar needs so they feel more "safe" and willing to ask questions.
     This type of instruction allows the teacher to truly tailor instruction to specifically address students areas of need. 


2. Do you use Guided Reading in your classroom? If so, how can you adapt it to accommodate mathematics instruction? What about it is easily modified for teaching mathematics? What may be more difficult to adapt?
     I did last year but not to its fullest potential. This year I plan on implementing it in a way that fits my classroom needs. I do see many similarities between Guided Reading and Guided Math now more than ever. I've even picked up Comprehending Math: Adapting Reading Strategies to Teach Mathematics by Hyde. This book has really brought to light all the obvious connections that I am just realizing now between math an dreading. I find a lot of the techniques for teaching reading work just as well when teaching math. The biggest difference is the vocabulary. It still needs to be made real world significant. Students still make text-self, text-text, and text-world connections. I find trying to make every math concept connect to the real world is NOT impossible just difficult and takes some thinking sometimes.  


3. What data do you have that can guide you as you create small groups of students for Guided Math?
     Next year I have several things that will help me to group my students. In the beginning of the year I have last years school wide assessment, I have the beginning of the year diagnostic math test, and the topic pre-tests. I also plan on creating topic observation checklists for each math topic to use as an assessment tool to help group students and make sure they understand what is essential. I am planning on using the pre-tests on the computer that we have access to assist with my grouping as well. 

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P.S.

I'm able to go back into my room for the rest of the summer. I plan on "putting it back together" in increments :) I really want it to be the best learning environment for my kiddos.


Graphics from Maree Truelove: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MareeTruelove