Math Work Stations Blog Party Week 1

I am thrilled to be able to participate in the Math Work Stations Blog Book Study. This week the focus is on Chapters 1 and 2 from the book Math Work Stations by Debbie Diller. This weeks host is Deedee Wills from Mrs. Wills Kindergarten.


I am looking forward to continuing to read this book and hopefully adding additional strategies and resources to my 2nd grade math curriculum. After reading the first two chapters this weekend I am a little embarrassed at what my current math practice is. However, I am hopefully going to have a better and much improved math program.

Chapter 1: What is a Math Work Station?

• Materials used by the teacher first, then placed in the station: NO
• Materials do not change weekly, but rather changed to reflect the students learning objectives: Not really, we don't seem to have the time
• All Students go to stations daily: NO
• Materials are differentiated: NO
• The teacher observes work or meets with differentiated math groups: Only when time allows
  

This allows room for much improvement. I know I have a lot of work to do, but, I am up for the challenge. Check out all the other wonderful blogs for ideas, suggestions and support. That is what I plan to do!

Chapter 2: Organizing and Managing Math Materials

This is something I have been needing to do and now is the perfect time with changing grade levels and rooms. I was able to get into my classroom this week and started organizing my materials like the book suggested.

I started by taking all materials out of contains and organizing them on top of the students desks. Below is a picture of my measurement materials. The items took up so much space. I then placed them in one larger plastic box and a bag.

Before:

After:

It took me three days to gather, move and organize all my math materials. I now have a beautiful math cabinet. I still need to add the labels. I will add those when I return to school next week.