A group of great teacher bloggers are hosting an online book
study for Debbie Diller's new book :
Although I don't have a true teaching position or classroom of my own, I still like to think I'm a teacher! I've really enjoyed reading Debbie's new book so I thought I would participate in the book study even if my responses are with regard to my dream class and classroom! I just know I'll land a job soon and I'll be super ready to implement math stations!
Chapter 1: So What are Math Stations??
A math station is an activity that engages students in independent or partner practice of a math skill that has already been introduced and taught.
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| DeeDee used different colored stars to allow some students to use smaller numbers while others can practice with larger numbers. |
I feel like the biggest challenge of successful math stations is the differentiation for different leveled learners. In the book she encourages you to make differentiation a part of each and every math tub by varying materials for the levels using a color coded system that students will easily become familiar with.
Other great ideas from chapter 1:
- USing overlapping notecards taped to a clipboard to keep anecdotal records for each student.
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| Picture from http://debbiediller.wordpress.com/page/2/ |
- I also love the way she recommends creating the "i can" lists with options for things to do at the station as a class, then taping that very list to the lid of the math station for students to reference.
Chapter 2: Organize!
I'm all about the organizing but it is hard to imagine just how I would organize math stations without knowing the space that I will work in!
However, I really like these ideas for keeping math
stations organized!
- Pocket Charts for Rotation Schedule!
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| Idea and Picture from Swamp Frog First Graders! |
- Clear Plastic Tubs for Station Materials
- Oceans of First Grade Fun's Great Labels!
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| Get them HERE! |
Linking up to Mrs. Wills Kindergarten
