MathCentres

Using Math Centres in my class as part of my daily routine has helped me structure my day and incorporate many of Van de Walle’s theories and ideas. With the help of my teacher partner, we were able to construct a lesson model that allows us time to work with the students, both whole group and individually, as well as offering built in assessment and 1-1 time.
 * MATH CENTRES 101 **

> Reconvene whole class after work period and talk about strategies. (examples: gallery walks, Bansho, meta-cognitive discussion)
 * __ Sample Lesson Structure __**
 * Whole group instruction and demonstration.
 * Usually more intensive on the 1st day of a 5 day cycle.
 * Includes in-depth centre explanation with question asking period.
 * Model all required activities (with the exception of the computers’ centre) and create reference/anchor chart.
 * Explain all new math ideas and concepts and review any prior material required.
 * Send students to centres (boxes pre-packed with all materials needed to complete tasks) as per rotation in cycle.

Van De Walle pg. 15
 * **BEFORE ** || **DURING ** ||< **AFTER ** ||
 * __Getting Ready __ || __Students Work__ ||< __Class Discourse__ ||
 * Get students mentally ready to work on the task || Let Go, listen carefully and provide hints ||< Accept student solutions without evaluation ||
 * Be sure all expectations for products are clear || Observe and assess ||< Conduct discussion as students justify and evaluate results and methods ||
 * __ How to Structure Centres __**
 * Hands On ** ~ Activities based on learning concepts through the use of fine and large muscle groups
 * Problem Solving ** ~ Students work through a series of tasks involving higher level thinking or techniques to decipher answers
 * Skills ** ~ Build upon or reinforce existing skills (e.g. Numeracy skills)
 * Computers & Games/Assessment ** ~ Activities related to central math topic, including computer programs as determined by teacher. This centre can also be used as an assessment period for small groups or individual students