Guided Math Ch. 2

 

Thanks to 3rd Grade Gridiron for hosting Ch. 2 of Guided Math! This chapter is all about numeracy and creating an environment in which all students are immersed in the language of mathematics.

In the past, my plans of having a classroom that exudes literature, reading, and writing, hasn't always happened the way I've wanted it to. However, this coming school year, I am moving to a new grade, in a new classroom, in a new school district! So I already have visions of being able to start fresh and create the classroom I want. This will, of course, include a numeracy-rich classroom! I am seeing Math word walls, calendar on my new Smart board (yeah!), and lots of math talk and journals! 

Some of my thoughts from this chapter...

Last year, after reading Math Work Stations by Debbie Diller, I spent a ton of time reorganizing and labeling my math manipulatives. Since I'm going to be in a new school, I am going to have to do that all over again, but it will give me the chance to have the manipulatives accessible to the students so they can use them when they need to. 

I have had my students complete individual calendar journals for the last few years, but they always take a long time to complete. I am going to have to think about that this summer and decide how I want to do this. This will be a great time to change this if I want to. 

Explicit vocabulary is an area I definately need to work on. I have had a math wall, but I haven't always used it consistently. "Word walls are created with students as new words are identified..." (p. 89). Creating with students is a change I will need to make. 

I especially like the idea of truely integrating the subjects; writing about math during Writer's Workshop and writing during math time. Yes, this is kind of a 'duh, why didn't I ever do that?" thing for me. 

So...I've been really nervous about starting the new year...but now, sure wish I could get into my new classroom and start planning! This book is giving me a lot to think about, but lots of great ideas to look forward to!