An interesting use of Math Talk Moves in a child's book

Maths Centres

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/literacy-centers

On reading this article I believe that the same principles for Literacy Centres can be applied to Mathematics Centres. Activites meeting children's needs with a specific purpose, children being able to work collaboratively be able to complete a task indepedently and for multiple opportunities for children to practise basic mathematical concepts.

It is my intention to get centres for mathematics up and running early next term. I am also keen to incorporate some hand on "strand maths" work as well, as children of this age need and really enjoy building type activites. I have several maths based activites based around build blokcs, lego and multilink cubes. Also prealgebraic thinking around patterning. These are task card type activities which have pictures and should be easy to follow.

How will we go about this inquiry? Beginning action plan

Investigate “Daily 5” type activities.

     Discuss mixed ability grouping independent tasks with Maths advisors.

     Share effective resources and ideas.

     Discuss regularly at team meeting, what has been effective and not so and why?

     Discuss with Maths advisors professional readings (research) material around managing purposeful activities in Maths.

     Share pinterest resources  

Our Collaborative Enquiry Question

How can the addition of more purposeful, independent knowledge tasks to daily maths programme improve achievement and focus during maths time in the classroom?

Beginning our Collaborative Inquiry

This year as a school we are looking at trends across the school and within teams and have come up with some "wonderings" to help guide what out team inquiry will be.

Data shows needs are:

• Counting 0-100  100-0 = ordering numbers
• Subtraction, Mult/div
• Interpreting the problem
• Attention deficit - hard to stay on task, independent

Wonderings

• How can more practice in counting be used to strengthen strategy
• How do we make the link between number story and written/oral problem
• How do we let our kids know what they know and when to use it?
• How do we deal with focus issues/ independent groups AND teach.
• Daily five with literacy in Annie’s class has been working quite well.  5 things to do 15 minutes each (picture prompts).  All 5 must be completed in the timeframe: self, buddy, write, listening post, eggs.  
• Perhaps a maths daily 3 might also work?  

          1. Counting,             2. Problem solving and or writing      3. Basic facts

          What activities can we come up with that encourage these?