Independent Tasks for Small Group Instruction
Do you teach in small groups in math but are struggling to find independent tasks for your learners?
Keep reading, because this is the right place to gather ideas!
When students are not meeting in their small group, it is important to provide them with a variety of independent tasks to strengthen their learning. These independent tasks should be meaningful and engaging.
I give all my students an independent math menu that they are responsible for completing the activities throughout the week during their independent time.
This math menu reviews concepts from earlier in the year or even previous years. All activities are things the students should be able to do on their own.
We spend a few extra minutes at the beginning of each week reviewing the math menu for the week. This gives the students a chance to ask questions about anything that looks confusing.
Depending on the concept being taught in group, I might give students a follow up worksheet to complete independently after group or the following day. This gives me a chance to get some grades on independent classwork.
Once all of the required work is completed, students are allowed to complete center activities.
Center Activities
Center activities can be a variety of things. You need to pick activities that fit your teaching style, the resources and manipulatives you have available, and what works best for your students.
Something that worked last year might not work with your students this year. You will have to figure it out and do what works!
1. Word Problem Task Cards
Students will practice their word problem solving skills with these task cards. These task cards are currently available for September through June and are differentiated based on the numbers used in the problems.
2. Math Fact Games
If your students are capable of working quietly with other students, you can leave out some math fact games for them to practice.
I have a variety of games for different holidays as well as a few generic ones.
3. Math Games with Cards, Dice, and Dominoes
Another option for math games is to leave out sets of cards, dice, and dominoes for students to play games with to practice their math skills.
Grab a copy of some free cards, dice, and dominoes games your students can play.
4. Math Literature
Reading books in math can be a welcome change of pace. There are many books you can put in your library that are centered around math topics.
Grab your copy of my list of favorite math literature books.
5. Math Technology
If you have access to computers or iPads, you can have students practice their math skills on different games or apps.
6. Math Journals
Give students a chance to write and draw about math in a journal. You can set up specific prompts or make it open-ended.
7. Math Fact Coloring Sheets
Students can practice their math facts by completing math fact coloring sheets.
There are so many different independent activities for students to do so you can focus on working with your small group of students.
Pick the ones that will work best in your classroom or pick a few to try. You never know what will be engaging for your students!
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