Last week I decided to try to split my math groups into 4 groups and meet with 2 each day. The kids are showing me they have the stamina to work at a math rotation for nearly 20 minutes and I would rather have quality time in my groups without having to rush. The only problem with this is that it's difficult to manage the core/ shared learning lesson when some students will meet with me that day and some won't. I'm going to try pushing 2 core lessons together in the first day of the cycle and then the second day either reviewing or doing a number talk, string, equality work or true/ false statements.
I'm really struggling with getting kids to COMPLETE the tasks on their literacy and math menu. The kids that are responsible, easily finish the work, but the other 80% don't and by the end of the week I'm left wondering what in the world they've been doing during literacy work time. I really don't feel like I'm assigning too much work and I feel like I've modeled the task that needs to get done but I'm really amazed at the lack of understanding (construction of knowledge?) and responsibility of the students. I'm going to try this week to have 1 item (any) due Tuesday, one Wednesday, one Thursday, and the rest Friday before last recess. We'll see if it helps if I give students some extra prompting and help with time management.
With this menu approach, I'm REALLY seeing which kids are responsible, use their time wisely, and turn in quality work independently. I'm also going to add a piece of self-reflection to the bottom of their menu to begin to internalize those life skills.
I'm really struggling with getting kids to COMPLETE the tasks on their literacy and math menu. The kids that are responsible, easily finish the work, but the other 80% don't and by the end of the week I'm left wondering what in the world they've been doing during literacy work time. I really don't feel like I'm assigning too much work and I feel like I've modeled the task that needs to get done but I'm really amazed at the lack of understanding (construction of knowledge?) and responsibility of the students. I'm going to try this week to have 1 item (any) due Tuesday, one Wednesday, one Thursday, and the rest Friday before last recess. We'll see if it helps if I give students some extra prompting and help with time management.
With this menu approach, I'm REALLY seeing which kids are responsible, use their time wisely, and turn in quality work independently. I'm also going to add a piece of self-reflection to the bottom of their menu to begin to internalize those life skills.