Well, we are back for another exciting discussion about this amazing book, Guided Math by Laney Sammons. This we are discussing Chapter 2: Using Guided Math To Create a Classroom Environment of Numeracy.
Just like anything else, we need to create a safe environment for our students to venture out and try the unknown and sometimes scary world of Mathematics! How do we do this? First off, we need to make sure that our students know that fail is not a bad thing. Fail is just your First Attempt In Learning. We all make mistakes and we grow by learning from them. The same as in mathematics. Not everyone will know the right answer or method but through discussions and at bats (Teach Like a Champion author calls student practice or attempts at an activity these).
Math discussions are vital to the success of the teaching of mathematics. Communication must be at the heart of math!!!!!! We need to model how to properly communicate with one another! Turning and talking is a great tool to use in the classroom. The students need to listen to each other and share ideas and concepts.
To increase communication, make sure there is a math wall. we have word walls for reading so why not a Math wall! These walls should have the words, pictorial representation and definition. These are great references to use during math discussions!These walls need to be focused, essential and precise.
This chapter was so informative! It also discussed relating children's literature to the math concept being taught as well to what a guided math room looks like.
Math journals must be accessible as well as manipulatives. The students need to know where these are to find and use them without interfering with the small guided math groups!
After reading this chapter we get a vision of what a guided math classroom looks like and what is found within!
So I leave you with these questions!
Click on the blogs below to read more chapter summaries by amazing educators!!!
Do you happen to have a pic of your math word wall? I am trying to grasp this at the kindergarten level and am in need of visual support!
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