Hello Darlings!

In my years of teaching, I have found that teaching math whole group really doesn’t benefit my students. It serves my students who are performing at grade level but it fails to support my students who need support, it stresses my students who need immense intervention, and it bores my students that need enrichment. Ultimately, nobody is getting what they need or want.

So what did I do about it? I quit teaching math the way every manual told me to. I stopped whole group instruction and moved to rotations. This model allowed me to hit the curriculum while meeting all the differentiated needs of my students. 

They said it couldn’t be done but here I am several years in and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

So what does this look like?

First, I determine the four groups I will divide my students into based on need. Then I establish the activities students will complete at each station. I always have a teacher station, a fast facts station, a practice station, and a game station. Each activity is tailored to my student needs in that group. It looks like this:

I am sure to set the room up in a way that allows me to supervise the group while instructing my small group at the table. I also set up students for success by providing manipulatives and examples at each station. Finally, I am sure to provide clear directions of each station before “setting them free” to dig in!

So…what do you say? Ready to say no to whole group and move into rotations?! Grab my resource here to get started today!

DM me on Instagram @thatteachingspark or tag me to show me how you teach math!