As a teacher, I have seen tremendous results using this approach. Students are now able to learn based on their individual needs per math unit. Here’s how it works! I begin each unit as a whole group. Almost immediately I can put the students into groups by their reaction to the new concept. Day two of a new unit is when the students review the basics of the unit and learn a new review game. This game may be one the previous unit or on the current unit. (As a teacher, I like for my students to have a base of mathematical games to touch on throughout the year. As a student, the kids love games! Who doesn't?!?) At the end of day two a mini unit assessment is given. Day three of a unit is when flexible grouping begins. I base the grouping on the mini unit assessment. I then pull students in clusters based on their needs and can watch and see their thinking. This helps target problems quickly.
While pulling students based on their unit needs, the other students are thinking about math! Independent math thinking is also tailored to each student. Students work on several on grade level tasks, but also work on tasks that challenge their strengths and needs. Some examples of independent math work are:
1. Calendar Independent Task (describing shapes, working with place value, input/output charts, and divisible rules) These tasks are based on the weakness of the class as a whole. The weaknesses are determined by pretesting.
2. On grade level unit practice.
3. Frayer Models of key unit terms
4. Hands On Standards with use of manipulatives
5. Exemplars while using manipulatives
Students always end each lesson with a closing. This closing ties the day together. It may be as simple as a practice problem using their white boards and markers, playing a "I Have Who Has?" game, or reviewing a piece from calendar.
At the end of each unit, the students are given a practice test. This is the day that students can get final answers to any questions that they may still have. We do example problems and even have whole group discussions about the unit. The following day the students get to show what they know! Testing is meant to be a bragging session for the students, not a stressful day.
It is my hope that your student becomes stronger in their areas of weaknesses, but also stronger in their areas of strength. I promote math thinking on all levels and encourage the students to grow on a daily basis in math. If you have any questions, please let me know. I would be happy to answer them. Please see below for a list of math units covered in 5th grade. As the year goes on, I will add website links under each unit. These links will be great practice links for the units. If you come across a link that you would like to share, please send my way!!
Unit 1: Number Sense
Unit 2: Decimals
Unit 3: Fractions
Unit 4: Decimals, Fractions, Percentages
Unit 5: Measurement
Unit 6: Geometry
Unit 7: Algebra
Unit 8: Data Analysis
Please see the link below for a detailed list of 5th grade math AKS.
http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/aks.nsf/aks5?OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expand=2#2
