Today, I am going to give you a peek into our math block! We use a balanced math approach in our 60 minute math block. This balanced math model which has four components: mental math, math review, concept lesson and closure.
Starting Math Block With Calendar Time
Our math block kicks off with our calendar time. The calendar time is led by our Boss Of The day. Our calendar is interactive and engages all students. The Boss Of The Day fills in the calendar on our smart board while the rest of the class provides the information. We include the date, digital date, and days of the week. Then we do a number of the day which includes a ten frame, even and odd, how many, tally marks, greater than/less than, counting on and counting back. Place value is included by using place value blocks or base ten blocks to count the days in school. This routine covers a number of standards and last 10 minutes or so.
Here is a video of our calendar routine:
Our calendar creations are available here:
Mental Math
Subitizing in action:
Math Review
Mini-Lesson
Here are some examples of our whole group math lessons:
Shapes Sorting Activity:
Here’s a video of a whole group math lesson:
Small Group/Guided Math
Math Centers
For a video our math block, check out this post:
Math Resources:
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8 comments
Love the differentiated math tub idea…what an awesome way to differentiate instruction and keep the kids busy! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Kelly
First Grade Fairytales
WOW–WOW-WOW! I love your posts. You make it seem so EASY 🙂 Thanks so much for the freebies–they'll be put to good use.
I love it Greg!!!!! Fun, function, and fashion all rolled into one teacher!
Do they pick any activity from their assigned tub?
Katrina
Thanks so much for the powerpoints- I can't wait to use them with my newcomers! I am constantly in awe of your creativity!
-Maria
I love it! Now how about writing?
I have been debating changing up my math block for quite some time and after reading this post you have just given me that final push to go with my gut and change it up!
Thanks!
Amanda
Mrs. Pauley’s Kindergarten
Hi! I struggled fitting everything in within my math block last year, which was about 45-60 minutes each day, so I couldn’t do math centers effectively. I LOVE the way you have yours set up, but do you have a breakdown of how long you spend on each activity? I know that I saw in your daily schedule that you currently have a 60 minute math block, so I’d love to make mine similar since it works so well for you! I’m also a third year teacher and still working out the kinks. 😉 Thank you!