Who: Everyone is included in math centers and has been assigned to a team.
What: Math centers are a new and exciting part of our daily routine. A variety of mathematical topics are covered. A whole group meeting is held on Monday, and then students rotate through centers Tuesday through Friday. The centers include solving problems with the teachers, working on the computers, and working through independent task card problems alone/with partners. All centers cover similar topics each week to maximize student understanding of a specific topic. For example, this week we are reviewing perimeter, parallel vs. perpendicular lines, and finding the right equation for a given problem. We are also discussing elapsed time.
When: Every single day from 2:45 to 3:15. Make sure you are at school every day, all day, so you don't miss out on visiting your favorite center!
Where: One teacher group is located in the front of the room, where modeling can be done on the large projection screen, while another teacher uses wipe boards at a cluster of desks in the back. Other students work independently at a grouping of desks in the center of the room, while the remaining kids are scattered around the perimeter of the room at our computer stations. Student progress is noted by teachers in the teacher-led groups, but we also hold students working independently accountable. Computer work is monitored through our teacher monitoring page,s and task card progress is checked through a recording sheet students fill out at the independent station.
Why: This allows a variety of math topics/standards to be covered. It is a great review tool to keep old math skills fresh. Centers also allow for us to discuss topics that are not addressed in our Investigations Units.
Which center is your favorite? Why do you feel that way? Leave a comment and earn $10 Monkey Moolah!!!
