Math Workshop

Math Workshop was introduced to the students this past week. The Math Workshop framework allows for students to be engaged during all of math time and to work on goals designed to meet their learning needs. Rather than working on an assignment that may be too easy or too hard, students are challenged by working on a skill that is their "next step" in learning. For example, the first grade math goal we are currently working on is adding numbers to 20. Students have been taught how to use several "tools" to help them add, including a number line, touch points, a part-part-whole mat, and a ten frame. Some students are using these tools to add to 10. Others, however, are using these tools to help them add to 20 and beyond. Through having different "stations," the students are given the opportunity to experience a variety of activities, while staying engaged and on-task at each "station."    The students are divided into small groups of 4-5 students, and they move through each of the "stations" with their group. Some of the times they are working with another student in their group, but other times, they are working independently.

The video above shows a little piece of each of the stations. The acronym MATH tells students where to go for each rotation. The "M" stands for "Math Fact Practice." The end-of-the-year goal for first grade in addition and subtraction is to be able to correctly solve 40 problems in 2 minutes. Through allowing students to practice their math facts daily during Math Workshop, this end-of-the-year goal is easily reachable. The "A" stands for "At Your Seat Work." This includes worksheet-type activities for students to practice the skill we are working on in math. This will change throughout the year based on the topic we are learning in math. Some of the topics we will learn about in first grade include: addition, subtraction, word problems, telling time to the hour and half-hour, measurement using non-standard units, and identifying 2-D and 3-D shapes. The "T" stands for "Teacher's Choice" or "Teacher Time." During this part of Math Workshop, students will meet with the teacher to continue to practice and improve upon their skills to meet their end-of-the-year goals in math. For students that have already met those goals, they will be challenged with more critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to the topic being learning. The "H" stands for "Hands-On Activities." This includes game-type activities that allow students to practice their math skills with a partner. 

Addition War

Students improve their addition fluency in a fun and exciting way! Each student lays a card and whoever can say the sum of the cards first wins that round!

First Day of School 2015

We're off to a new start to our school year! Things are going great! We are working hard on learning new procedures and getting back into the routine of school.

Here are our First Day of School pictures! (A few days late...) Enjoy! 

First Day of School

Math Workshop & Investigations

We have a new math curriculum that aligns with the Common Core Standards.  It is similar to our Investigation's curriculum that we had last year--only modified a little. :)  The first few sessions gives students the opportunity to explore the materials they will be using throughout the school year.  I was AMAZED by the creations the students made!  They also did very well working together with the others at their group!  Needless to say, it has been a very fun, eventful first full week of school! I am very excited for all that lies ahead!  :)

--Ms. Brandt

First Day of School Pictures

Our First Day of School in the First Grade!

Intro to Our Classroom

This is a little introduction to our classroom that I showed at the orientation at Open House.  Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions on more information to include! :)
Thanks,
Ms. Brandt

First Days of the FIRST GRADE!

Whew!  Sorry, it has been a bit crazy around here with all the moving and unpacking, getting the room ready, and all, but I am proud to say the school and our room look amazing!  Our first couple of days were great!  We spent a lot of time going over rules and procedures in our classroom and the school.  We also took some time getting to know one another in a few group activities and name games!  Parents, I sent home a picture of your child on the first day of school, and they looked great!  I hope you enjoyed them!  I will be posting more pictures and videos soon!  :) Hope you had a great weekend!

--Ms. Brandt