Where do I begin?

Once you've made the decision to try guided math in your classroom it can feel VERY overwhelming.  My biggest struggle when I started it in my classroom was simply not knowing where to begin.  I found that I just didn't know how to start thinking about using guided math.  It can feel intimidating and its a risk but IT IS WORTH IT.  Now that I've gone through a couple of years of trial and error I can tell you that it is the best decision I've ever made (in my classroom at least.. ;) ).

So, where do you start?
One of the concerns I usually hear from teachers is that they simply don't have to resources to implement guided math.  I addressed that concern among others here if you would like to read some more.  I always tell teachers instead of worrying about what you DON'T have, make a list of what you DO have.

Step 1:  List all your resources and materials that could be used for math
List EVERYTHING so you get a good idea what you have to work with.  Some of the things I included in my list were:
computers (6)
ipads (2)
math games
chart paper
whiteboards/clipboards
dice/playing cards
task cards
math program printables
math program workbooks
geoboards
math concentration
I started out with a list that looked like this. You can see how I've already begun grouping certain things together because I think I might be able to make a center out of it.

Step 2:  Draw a sketch of your classroom  
This is so you can visualize what kind of spaces you have in your classroom that could be used as a center area.  Some of the areas on my list were:
Kidney Table
computer counter
carpet area
desk area
work tables
Library area
I want to make sure that these areas are spaced out enough to control noise and distractions.  I also want to make sure that students can move easily from one area to another to cut down on transition time.

Step 3:  List rotation ideas  
Now that I've created a list of resources and a list of work areas and spaces I can start thinking about what kind of rotations I might have and where those would take place.  Here is an example:
Technology rotation (computers/ipads) - computer counter/library area
Games rotation (concentration, dice, playing cards) - Carpet area
Task card rotation - work tables?  desks?
Teacher rotation (whiteboards/ math workbooks)- kidney table
Spiral review (math program)- desks
Notes (chart paper)- carpet area
Writing about math (blank paper) - work tables

These are just a few of the ideas that I have used successfully- there are SO many more out there.

Step 4:  Start crossing off the ones that you don't feel will work for you or your students
Here are some reasons you may want to eliminate a rotation:
1.  It is too disruptive.  I've had too many problems with off task behavior when I had a games rotation so I got rid of it.
2.  It isn't appropriate for the age of your students.  I used writing about math with my third graders but I don't think it will be an appropriate rotation for my first graders.
3.  You don't have the space or enough materials.
Remember that any of the ones you choose to eliminate from rotations can be used as an option for early finishers!

Technology rotation (computers/ipads) - computer counter/library area
Games rotation (concentration, dice, playing cards) - Carpet area 
Task card rotation - work tables?  desks?
Teacher rotation- kidney table
Spiral review (math program)- desks
Notes (chart paper)- carpet area
Writing about math (blank paper) - work tables

I am now left with 4 rotations.  I hope this was helpful!  Leave comments or questions below please!
Stay tuned for the next post- How to Set Expectations for Guided Math Centers