Guided Math

All you need to know to get GM up and running in your classroom

Why Guided Math? Success Stories are abundant – data

shows this works at all grade levels.How do you want to structure your guided

math block? There is no 1 right way; the right way is a way that works for you and your students.Workstations not timedWorkstations semi timedWorkstations/ small group instruction timed

Guided Math Work boards

More Work Boards

Mrs. Talaber incorporates student choice!

Math WorkstationsThe following slides contain pictures of ASD

students engaged in math workstations.Workstations do not have to be elaborate or

time consuming to make. Activities you do during a focus lesson or small group lessons can become workstations later in the year after students have a grasp of the concept.

Students should be able to do the workstation independently.

Investigation math workshop activities make great workstations.

Math Work Stations

Work Station Organization

Must DosThis is what the students “must do” before

going to the workstations.Students should be able to complete the

must dos in 15 – 20 minutes.It is strongly suggested that a problem of

the day be included as a must do. Other ideas for must dos:

Independent workBasic fact practice (First in Math)Math Journal writing Count on It!/ Measuring Up!

Students Engaged in “Must Dos”

When to start?

Give time for students to learn the workstations you chose.

Start discussing Guided Math with your students prior to the start of GM. Set expectations and ground rules.

Mini Lessons

Mini lessons should be between 10 – 20 minutes.

Mini lessons should be on grade level. Mini lessons can be problem based!Looking at the standards you will be

starting with; discuss some ideas for mini-lessons.

Small Group InstructionSmall group lessons should be a continuation of

the mini lesson, but differentiated to meet the level of the students.

Start simple and as you become comfortable with guided math you can grow your differentiated lessons.

What might a small group lesson look like for lower level students? Higher level students? On grade level students?

Small Group Lessons:

Investigations & Guided Math

It may be difficult to begin using guided math during an Investigation unit.

However, once guided math is up and running, there are many sessions in Investigations that lend itself to guided math.

There is no need to shelf guided math for the entire Investigation unit; some sessions will require whole group or cooperative groups; some sessions may require a longer focus lesson, however many sessions allow guided math to be incorporated.

To begin it will be important to do guided math every day – once students understand your expectations and how it runs, it is ok to do other activities some days (cooperative learning activities, longer hands on whole group lesson, etc.)

Where are you?

I’m there! I’ve started guided math.I’m almost there; I’ll be starting very soon. I’m thinking about guided math and have

some ideas but I’m not ready yet.I need more information and support to

begin guided math.