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| Example of a completed 5th grade number card. |
Today on the first day of school we had one of those one-size-fits-all lessons, and as expected some were way ahead, some way behind, and some keeping the mid-pace. Way ahead and way behind did not mean lack of understanding or inability to follow for this lesson instead there were many reasons for the speed differential.
So tomorrow, I'll make space for the variant speeds in the following ways.
- I'll check students homework as they arrive at school, and list names of students who had trouble with the assignment. While I look over each child's homework, the others will be working on a math vocabulary crossword puzzle.
- I'll start the math lesson with a 15 minute lesson on fraction models.
- Then I'll provide the following differentiated menu:
1. Create a number card for a specific number or complete last night's number card using the computer. I'll assign numbers based on students' comfort level with the assignment. I've chosen to have students use the computers as I want them to revisit and rehearse the tech skills related to this assignment as well.
2. Work with precision and care. Try to make your models accurate relative to each other.
3. Show the teacher when you finish your card, or seek help as needed.
4. Work on another number card and repeat the cycle.
These number cards are a great activity for revisiting many skills learned last year as well as practicing some new 5th grade skills. The activity also offers the teacher a great informal assessment point. In the end the cards will be used as a classroom reference bulletin board for later number activities.
Students bring to school a variety of work and processing speeds, and it's the teacher's job to assess those work habits and coach accordingly so that every child learns the material with a feeling of success and confidence. Onward.
