Math Stations

We are constantly assessing how our classroom functions and how to improve learning and our environment.  This week we moved from a four station to a three station math.  Reducing the number of stations allows more time in each station, which was greatly needed.  The three stations include: Teacher, Independent and Technology.

The Teacher Station, is just what it sounds like-students work in small groups ranging from 3-12 students and one teacher.  When students are at the Teacher Station they are receiving the direct instruction they would be receiving in a typical grade-level classroom, but with the ability to focus the teachers' attention on a much smaller group.  Students and teachers alike in our room are enjoying the smaller setting!  There are currently two student groups for each grade level.  These groups are fluid, meaning that they may not stay the same for a long period of time.  Students are assessed every one to two weeks to determine their current needs. 

In addition to the Teacher Station, the Independent Station is a continuation of the lesson from the Teacher Station.  During the Independent Station, students work on practicing the skill they were taught in the Teacher Station.  If they are stuck on a problem they can ask a friend, log onto edmodo.com, learnzillion.com or khanacademy.com to watch videos on the topic, or they can ask Mrs. Scannell who is in our classroom for math Mondays-Thursdays.  

Dreambox is the main focus for students when they are at the Technology Station.  Beginning this week, students will alternate their time at the Technology Station, working on Dreambox or creating their Interactive Math Notebooks(IMN). These IMN have a dual purpose, reviewing what was just learned in the Teacher Stations and serving as a resource book as students add to them.