[alliek]

I am wondering if anyone has suggestions about doing math groups during a lesson? It is hard for me because my kids are at several different ability levels!

I'd like to figure out a way to teach the same objective, but differentiate it according to need. But I don't know how to do that effectively! Any ideas???

Thanks!

[Ms.brown]

I use math groups in my classroom. Before I start a unit I give my students a pre-test. I stay away from using multiple choice test so that I can see where they are going wrong (if they answer the quesition incorrectly). Then I check each pre-test and make little notes on where they had problems. I use that information to form my groups. I currently have 3 groups- low, med, high. Each group is working on the same objective each day within the unit but the levels are different. I usally have my low group doing the basics. I use smaller numberswith them and they have lots of manipulatives. I usually spend most of my time with this group. My middle group would have the same sort of assignment but larger numbers and a small extension activity. Same with my high group but they have a larger extension activity.

After any activity is finished in math groups,students have to do a buddy check with another student in their group. Then they have to do an assignment offtheir Choice Board. The choice board changes with each unit. I usually come up with four fun activities that will reinforce skills. The students choose one and complete it in their math notebooks.

The kids love their math groups especially since I gave them little names and nametags and everything. It's something they look forward to each day.

[scrobinson]

Some teachers at my school do groups. I want to try it but haven't yet. One teacher has three groups. Each group lasts 20 minutes (you could do more or less). The three stations are teacher table, partner stations (computer game, multiplication flash cards, games, etc.) , and seatwork. She really loves it! I am going to try it soon!

[tarheelteache]

Do you have any attachments of your choice boards and extension activities that you could post or email? My email is chilliss.k12.nc.us

I am especially trying to find activities for my third grade students with multiplication and division.
Thank you very much.

[<3 reading]

I would love to see what your choice boards look like! Could you please share one? I really would like to try math groups but struggle with how I would manage it. Is there a website that you use to get ideas?

[aberbe]

I'm trying to move into official math groups, too. I do have a high group of students that I usually give some sort of separate project or assignment, but I haven't implemented full math groups because I haven't found enough "stuff" for the kids who aren't meeting with me to stay busy the entire time. If I meet with three groups for 20 minutes each, that's 40 minutes for the kids to have to work independently. I don't believe in just giving tons of problems, and when I give them what I feel is an appropriate amount, most of them are finished quickly.

This is something I'm going to definitely work on and I hope to eventually have math groups working as well as my reading groups do now.