- During math I use something called "The Daily 3". This is a framework for arranging math time so students develop deep understanding of the concepts and become much more skilled in math. With an hour and a half of math (WHAT?!), we need to make sure that the students remain engaged. Gone are the days of 30 minutes or more of lecture while the students' eyes glaze over, and the last 20 minutes of teaching are not retained, and maybe not even heard. During this time, our math class goes something like this:
- 10 Minutes - Introduce the concept for that day as a whole group on the rug
- 15 minutes - Round One of Choice Centers
- 10 minutes - Practice the concept together as a whole group using hands on materials
- 15 minutes - Round 2 of Choice Centers
- 10 minutes - Practice the concept independently, usually in the format of a worksheet
- 15 minutes - Round 3 of Choice Centers
- 10 minutes - "Exit Ticket" completely independent to show if they understand the concept
- *Our choice centers include: Math With Someone (some sort of a fun math game with a partner(s); Math By Myself (usually i-Ready program on the iPads); Math Writing (spiral math review booklets, sprints, or interactive math journals).
- *During the students' choice centers, I am free to pull students aside and work with them in very small groups, or even 1 on 1, to review a concept, give short assessments, or whatever I see is needed.
I absolutely LOVE teaching math this way, and I hope that your child is learning a lot, while having FUN! I do not assign homework; however, if papers come home unfinished, they may finish them and return them to school for extra Dojo Points.
For more information on The Daily 3, visit this website: Daily 3 Information