Build Independence in November
One thing I always needed during math was something for the students who weren’t working with me in a small group.
And the week or two before Thanksgiving? I definitely didn’t want to spend my time coming up with extra activities!
So this week’s Math Rundown is all about independent math work
3 ways to keep students working independently
- Put word problems in students’ hands. Task cards are handy when you want students to practice solving problems without needing you to walk them through every question.
- Give students some choice. Instead of assigning the same activity to everyone, let students choose from different ways to practice their math skills. It’s a nice change of pace when everyone’s getting a little restless.
- Mix in some math games. Students can keep practicing math facts with a partner instead of completing another page of problems. Just make sure they know the game directions before you need to focus on your small group!
2 more ways to mix things up
- Add a little creativity. A math craft gives students a chance to practice addition and subtraction while making something fun. It’s a nice option for those days when you want math to feel a little different.
- Keep a few activities ready for later. You don’t have to use everything right away. Having a few options tucked away for early finishers, centers, or those days when your plans change can save you some scrambling later.
1 resource you need
You’ll get the word problem task cards, November Math Choice Boards, Thanksgiving doubles games, and turkey addition and subtraction crafts all in one place.
That’s a lot of November math planned and ready to go, without having to piece together activities yourself.
