This post wraps up my mini-series on math tasks in
the classroom. I am itching to get back into the classroom to start these tasks
again with my new batch of cute kiddos!
the classroom. I am itching to get back into the classroom to start these tasks
again with my new batch of cute kiddos!
I have had several ask me questions about how to
implement an actual task so I thought I would pose the questions and try to
answer them the best that I can. I know I have mentioned this a zillion times
before, but everyone has the ability to mold these math tasks to meet the needs
of you and your class. Do what works for you and your students! Here we
go!
implement an actual task so I thought I would pose the questions and try to
answer them the best that I can. I know I have mentioned this a zillion times
before, but everyone has the ability to mold these math tasks to meet the needs
of you and your class. Do what works for you and your students! Here we
go!
Math Task
Implementation
Implementation
How often do you do a task?
I try to do a task at least once a week. At the
beginning of the year, it may be less but it is important to get the kiddos working
with tasks and exploring/collaborating with one another as soon and as
often as possible.
beginning of the year, it may be less but it is important to get the kiddos working
with tasks and exploring/collaborating with one another as soon and as
often as possible.
How long does your task last?
My tasks generally last around 45-60 minutes.
5 minutes-Introducing the task, identifying math
practices that will be focused on and reviewing the use of accountable talk
during the task.
practices that will be focused on and reviewing the use of accountable talk
during the task.
15-20 minutes- The students explore the tasks and
do their work independently. During this time, they should be solving the task
using pictures, labels, words, and equations/number sentences.
do their work independently. During this time, they should be solving the task
using pictures, labels, words, and equations/number sentences.
15 minutes- The students work in small groups and
use accountable talk.
use accountable talk.
15 minutes- The teacher calls on students to share
their answers and their thinking process with the class.
their answers and their thinking process with the class.
5 minutes- Close the task by asking students about
the math practices they used and get their feedback on the task.
the math practices they used and get their feedback on the task.
What is the teacher doing during the
task?
task?
As teachers, it is natural for us to want to
“teach”. However, the teacher plays the role of
facilitator during a task. I am there to observe the students, take
notes on their work, ask them assessing and advancing questions, and help lead
group discussion. Towards the end of this last year, I was barely
needed during a math task. My kiddos could practically run it on
their own!
“teach”. However, the teacher plays the role of
facilitator during a task. I am there to observe the students, take
notes on their work, ask them assessing and advancing questions, and help lead
group discussion. Towards the end of this last year, I was barely
needed during a math task. My kiddos could practically run it on
their own!
Do you grade the tasks?
I have not taken grades for tasks in the past. I always tried to make it around to each student during a task and write some
form of academic feedback on his/her paper. I talked a little about that actual
process here. However, I would love to create a
rubric that I can use to hold students more accountable for their work! I feel
a freebie coming soon!!!
form of academic feedback on his/her paper. I talked a little about that actual
process here. However, I would love to create a
rubric that I can use to hold students more accountable for their work! I feel
a freebie coming soon!!!
The state of Tennessee has been training teachers
left and right all summer long on Common Core. So, I expect that we will be
seeing a lot more of classroom math task and reading task ideas in the near
future. As always, I would love to hear how you implement tasks in your
classroom!
left and right all summer long on Common Core. So, I expect that we will be
seeing a lot more of classroom math task and reading task ideas in the near
future. As always, I would love to hear how you implement tasks in your
classroom!
In other news…..
Here is a sneak peek of my next Monday Made It project!
And…….
Check out this room!
I go back to work in 14 days. There is still a lot that needs to be
done(electric, plumbing, and a deck so I can access the room instead of pulling some ninja moves to climb up into the cottage). I am praying that it all
comes together in time, but I have a feeling that I am going to be bribing
family and friends with free pizza at the last minute to help me pull my room
together. But hey…that’s okay! It just adds to the back to school excitement!
done(electric, plumbing, and a deck so I can access the room instead of pulling some ninja moves to climb up into the cottage). I am praying that it all
comes together in time, but I have a feeling that I am going to be bribing
family and friends with free pizza at the last minute to help me pull my room
together. But hey…that’s okay! It just adds to the back to school excitement!
I can’t wait to share the final product with
all of you.
all of you.
Have a fabulous
weekend!
weekend!
Monday Made It
Open Your Teacher Heart
Meet the Teacher Monday
