In math, we often start with one idea (i.e. place value), then move on to another. In September, we work on place value. Then in November (second trimester), we work on fractions. In the third trimester, we work on geometry and the metric system. To me, this seemed disjointed. I noticed that students would forget skills from the beginning of the year. By creating a repetitive workmat (i.e. an editable electronic graphic organizer for students to work), my student were able to continuously practice basic skills. Just like the 8 p*ARTS, the students were able to practice the same skills day after day, allowing them to master basic skills...Constant repetition of skills has allowed my students to continue to practice previously learned skills and gain confidence in doing so. It takes a while the first week or so, but in time, they will successfully complete it in eight minutes or less!
Lisa has put together a Math Reps website filled with templates for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and even high school math courses like Algebra, Calculus, Geometry and more.
Here's how Math Reps works:
1. Start with a "number of the day"--the teacher can pick a number or she can have a student decide on the day's number, anywhere from billionth to thousandths place, but at least to the tenths place. Next, the teacher shares a template to help with students' understanding of number sense.
- 10 times greater
- 100 times greater
- 1,000 times greater
- Add 10 times greater and 100 times greater
- Write a number that is greater
- 1/10 times less
- Subtract 1/10 and 1/100
- Write a number that is less
- Prime factors of the first two digits of the whole number...
- ...You get the idea!
3. Students complete the template on their own.
4. Use the same template over and over (using a different "number of the day") on a regular basis until mastery is reached.
Key Points to Remember
- Mastery of math concepts is the main focus of Math Reps.
- If work is not completed, return until done correctly and completely while allowing the remaining class members to move on to the next template with a new set of numbers.
- Make sure the whole class moves to a new template (with new skills) at the same time.
Adapting for Littles
- Use level-appropriate concepts and scaffold students until they are ready to work on their own.
- The teacher designates, or "child of the day" chooses an item such as apples, to be the thing of the day.
- Circle the number of the day on the number line.
- Then add and subtract 1 (or other designated number).
- Draw a sketch of the number of the day using whatever is chosen as the thing of the day.
- Make fact families. (Add the subtraction facts for the fact family when students are ready). Here's what you could list for the number of the day of 5:
- 2 + 3 = 5
- 3 + 2 + 5
- Draw the number of the day in the ten blocks on the lower right corner.
