Reasons to use Guided Math

Hello!  I am going to spend the next week or so detailing how to set up guided math in your classroom.  It is a bit of work at the beginning but it is SO WORTH IT in the long run.

I have done guided math in my classroom for the past three years and I LOVE IT.
Here are some reasons why I will never go back:
1.  Each student has the opportunity to make progress in every lesson.
2.  I get to work with students in a small group setting.
3.  It makes integrating technology into math easy!
4.  Students get to move around the room- it helps keep those busy ones engaged!
5.  I get to catch misunderstandings BEFORE they have practiced it the wrong way.
6.  Formative assessment is much easier in small groups- I get verbal feedback from every student every day!
7.  Last, but NOT least  the guided model helps me differentiate easily!


Most teachers I talk to are wary of attempting guided math.  I will address some of the most common concerns I've heard here.

It is too time consuming.
Now, I won't lie to you, there is some setup involved but it is not as difficult as you might think!  I do most of my setup at the beginning of the year and over the summer.  Just like any other routine in the classroom, once you have the procedures in place students know exactly what to do.  I make minor changes throughout the year.  The biggest piece of advice I would give is not to have activities that need grading at every rotation.

I tried it and all my students were of task.  
Again, this is like every other procedure in your classroom.  PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.  My students learn 1 rotation a week for the first month of school.  We do the rotations whole group and make anchor charts of expectations.   These anchor charts are on the wall all year long.  Most days all I have to do is point at the chart. We practice on and off task behaviors and make a list of what those look like.  Students also know that off task behavior is not tolerated and that there will be consequences.

I don't have and can't afford all the materials I would need.  
I use very little during my guided math time.  Start by making a list of the resources you DO have and see how you can group those together to create a center or station in the classroom.

Students who finish early are disruptive.  
I have a couple of activities that students who finish early are allowed to do.  They all involve extra practice in math.  I always have a few math problem color by number pictures available and a couple of math games.  These are a privilege and students understand that if they become disruptive they lose it.

I don't know where to begin.  
Setting up guided math can feel VERY overwhelming and not everything you try will work.  They key is to try some different things to figure out what does and doesn't work for you.  As far as not knowing how to start hopefully I can help!

Stay tuned for my next post- Where do I begin?

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment or question below!