July 2, 2013

Chapter 2: Guided Math: A Framework for Mathematical Instruction


Chapter 2 - Using Guided Math to Establish a Classroom Environment of Numeracy 

When I was preparing to switch from 4th grade to 1st grade many years ago, the importance of a print-rich classroom was drilled into my brain.  Each year as I set up my classroom I considered how to create an environment that focused on literacy.  But other than the required Every Day Counts calendar, no one ever seemed to think about making the classroom math friendly.
But in this chapter, Laney explains the importance of also creating a classroom environment of numeracy and gives us the foundational principles of Guided Math.
One of the biggest ideas in this chapter is the importance of communication in math.  The NCTM Communication Standard states that programs should enable students to:
  • organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking trhough communciation
  • communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers and others
  • analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others
  • use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas
Our Texas TEKS state that the student is expected to:
  •  communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate;
  •  create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas;
  •  analyze mathematical relationships to connect and communicate mathematical ideas; and
  • display, explain, and justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communication.
Here are two books that I have found helpful this year for encouraging math talk:

                               

The rest of the chapter explains how to set up a classroom that will promote literacy. Just like literacy instruction, math requires a large group area, a small group area and an area for students to work independently or with a group or partner.  I arranged my large group area this year so that we could  use the Smart Board for whole group lessons as well as an easel.  My guided reading table also served as the meeting place for small groups in math.  I kept two sets of storage drawers behind my table; one for guided reading matherials and the other for math manipulatives and other supplies for guided math.  Student desks were grouped in clusters, and there was plenty of floor space for students to work with a partner at math stations or problem solving.

Organization is crucial!  Students need easy access to manipulatives during math activities.  I keep all of mine in labeled plastic storage containers on a counter in my classroom.  Students also have a math toolkit in their desks with counters, number lines and other frequently used materials.  (An idea from Kim Sutton!)
Math anchor charts are displayed throughout the room.  This year I hope to add a word wall dedicated to math vocabulary.  Math stretches or problems of the day/week can also be displayed so that students can work on them throughout the day.  Journals provided a place for students to solve problems and explain their thinking using words, pictures, diagrams, etc.
My manipulatives and math tubs.  The pocket chart is used for  math station rotations.

A chart we created early in the year.
This chapter was so full of information, and I feel like I've just skimmed the surface!

Questions to think about:
1.  How do visitors to your classroom know that math is valued?
2. What ideas to you have or use for encouraging communication in math?
3.  Do you have any organizational tips for math manipulatives or guided math?

I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

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11 comments:

  1. 1. I need to be more math oriented in my classroom! I am planning a bulletin board dedicated to math plus my calendar white board. I am still looking for the perfect number line. I need to do better at this one. Please suggest stuff!

    2. I love these math journal packet by Runde's Room
    http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Math-Journal-315177
    I think this is a great way for students to write about what they are learning. I plan on having students share their math journal with partners when they come back for groups. Then they can explain their thinking while I listen in :)

    3. I need math manipulatives first :) Ha!! Seriously though, I have none. My principal is letting me order some. Any suggestions on kits?

    Tina
    Crofts' Classroom

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  2. 1. I too need to be more math oriented. If a person was to walk into my room they would know right away that I teach reading and writing...but I don't think they would know I teach math.

    2. I just purchased the interactive math journal packet by Runde. I'm looking forward to implement it into the math journals that I use.

    3. I store my math manipulatives in baskets and plastic shoebox sized containers. I keep the baskets on my shelf for those items that we use often-dice, rulers etc. The others I store on the shelf in my closet that a student or I can grab.

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    1. Are you liking the journal from Runde? It is on my wishlist and I'm waiting for a sale :)

      Tina
      Crofts' Classroom

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    2. I haven't used it with kids yet, but I love all the resources she gives in that packet. Well worth the money.

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  3. 1. I have a "Speak Math" board that the students make drawings and examples to add to the vocabulary for each unit. We also make anchor charts as we go and I will display some on the walls and windows until it gets too crowded!

    2. I need help here. I want to use a math journal.

    3. My manipulatives are stored in shoebox containers labeled with each item in low cabinets so the students can find them if needed.

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    1. Anchor charts! I will definitely do that too! I love journaling and can't wait for the new math journal from Runde's Room. It outlines completely how to have students do the journals.

      I love how you have the manipulatives low where kids can reach them. I need to be better at giving kids access to stuff.

      Tina
      Crofts' Classroom

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    2. My kids love doing math journals. One thing I do at the beginning of the year is have my students use their journal to create a picture dictionary of math manipulatives. (I teach 1st grade.) That way they can spell the words correctly in subsequent entries. I also use a lot of journal prompts. Some of my favorites are from Anna Brantley on TPT.
      Carol
      Still Teaching After All These Years

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    3. Carol! What a great idea! I think I am going to incorporate a picture dictionary too.

      Tina
      Crofts' Classroom

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  4. 1. I think that I didn't have enough math up for students as well as visitors. Next year I will be a math specialist and I plan to encourage teachers to use their classrooms for math literacy as well as reading!
    2. I started using math journals last year and I really liked them. I was able to easily see which students were understanding the concepts and which students weren't. Plus, the kids loved the personal feedback I wrote:)
    3. I bought some clear plastic "jars" to hold some of my manipulatives. That way you can see exactly where each manipulative is. For larger manipulatives I used clear plastic boxes.

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    1. How often did you go through their journals to write feedback? I really like this idea.

      Tina
      Crofts' Classroom

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    2. I don't use the journals everyday, so I tried to go through them every problem or two. I have to admit that it does get a little time intensive. Sometimes we did go through a problem together and I didn't go back and give feedback for that problem.

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