Wednesday, June 1, 2011

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.

6 comments:

  1. Mechele! Thank you for linking up! Your math bins look A.MAZ.ING! I hope (know) you will find the support you are looking for in these next few weeks. We have some great 2nd grade bloggers out there that LOVE to share ideas.

    Mrs. Wills Kindergarten

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  2. You did a lot of work! You're welcome to visit my classroom anytime :)

    Cheryl
    Primary Graffiti

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  3. Love how you have all your materials organized...that's on my to-do list for this summer.
    Ms. A
    Oceans of First Grade Fun

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  4. Wow! Love the organization. I bet you feel so great opening up that cabinet each time you go there.

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  5. Thank you all for the kind comments! I follow all your blogs and they are amazing.

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  6. Wow! You are an inspiration to me for organizing!!

    Magnificent Multiagers!

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