With kids coming in at so many levels, I've always found it hard to teach math whole group.
Especially as I get to know their strengths and weaknesses, I spend most of my math block teaching in small group. Honestly, I'm just more comfortable with it. I feel like I lose too many kids during whole group.
Here are some strategies for teaching math in small groups in 4th/ 5th grade.
#1Teacher Table
My kidney table is where the magic happens 😂.
Depending on the size of my class, I usually have between 6-8 kids in a group.
The groups are sorted basically high, med, low.
I teach the same thing 3 times, but at different rates and in different ways depending upon their needs.
Lessons range from white boards or hands-on activities to worksheets. Yes, sometimes, it's just a worksheet.
#2 Computer Station Another 6-8 kids go to the computer station. Our school uses I-Ready lessons, but I've also assigned ...
Boom Learning Task Cards
I like Boom because it's self checking with instant feedback. There are hundreds of lessons to pick from. With the paid version, you can assign decks to specific students and track their progress. The free version allows students to play in a "fast play" mode, but you cannot track their progress.
$ or free
assign specific skills
you can track progress with the paid version
Self-Checking
Reflex Math https://www.reflexmath.com/
GAME CHANGER!!! Reflex math is a paid program that reinforces fluency.
My students love playing everyday.
Tracks their fluency. Times their practice
Paid version only. There were a couple teachers at our school who wrote a grant for this program. It has made a huge difference in the fact fluency of my lower learners
Prodigy game.com https://bit.ly/3iN9BYl
free and paid versions
assign specific skills
you can track progress
Kids LOVE Prodigy. They really like playing the games.
$$
assign specific skills
common core, standards aligned
Watch students solve problems LIVE
In my classroom, this is the program we use most as it gets closer testing.
I especially love this for my higher learners
ABCya.com https://www.abcya.com/grades/5
free
fun for kids
this site has academic games, but it also has a lot of fluff
I use this site the least.
I always have a back up activity for when computers don't work.
roll dice and multiply
basic practice worksheet
# 3 Independent / Partner Work
Worksheets - Bottom line kids have to practice on paper. When you teach in small group, there is not a lot of time at the kidney table for independent practice. This is why I place worksheets at an independent work center. I let students work together if they need to, but for the most part, they work by themselves. I try to select worksheets that are engaging and review.
Fluency practice - From my experience, everyone needs multiplication and division fluency. A fantastic free site is https://www.commoncoresheets.com/ This is where I go when I need a quick print and go center.
#4 Games and Task Cards
If you're looking for engagement, assign games. Competition breeds engagement! My students love playing against each other. They stay on task, and hold each other accountable.
One tip for using games is teach them how to play first. Model exactly how to play to play the game and have all the materials they need ready to go.
If you're using task cards and want to hold them accountable, they can record their answers on a student response sheet. Once again, pairing students up holds keeps them accountable to one another.
With task cards, I also like to post the cards around the room. This gets kids up and moving. Of course, this takes a little time and training, but once they get going, it's a nice treat for them to be moving around.
Hope this helps! I'd love to hear how you make math centers work for you. 🤗
