1. Assessment Driven - Our math lessons should be based on what the students need. Giving a pretest before a math unit will help teachers plan differentiated activities.
2. Whole Class and Small Group Instruction - Guided math groups for reteaching, supporting and challenging students is one of the most effective ways to meet the diverse needs of our students. There should be a mix of whole class and small group instruction in our math classes.
3. Hands-on Materials - Math is much more meaningful if students can work with manipulatives to help visualize patterns and problem solve. Toothpicks, beans, buttons, candy, crackers, coins are just some of the many inexpensive manipulatives available.
4. Real-life Applications - As much as possible let students experience how math is used in the world around them. For example, when teaching about the value of coins, set up a store where students can actually purchase items with real money. Have students search for geometric shapes on the playground. Do addition and subtraction problems with real life situations in the classroom.
5. Have Students Communicate Math Reasoning and Ideas - Instead of telling students how to do math problems, allow them to use language to discuss what they are thinking, what they notice and what they are wondering about the math problem. This gives students a safe math environment where it is okay to it’s okay to admit they don’t understand and it’s okay to not be correct.
