One word, STATIONS.
I have to say, I hated workstations with my whole being. I assumed workstations were for lazy teachers who did not want to plan full lessons and teach. Boy was I wrong. My entire life has changed now that I have implemented workstations into my classroom. My students are progressing farther than I could have imagined in such a short amount of time. I am able to keep things fun, pull small groups, and have students master curriculum through repeated practice. I would recommend workstations to anyone and everyone.
How did I set them up?
I was never taught how to do centers or workstations in college because we focused on 100% direct instruction. This was done all by trial and error. If I can do it, anyone can.
First, I set my goal. I wanted to complete all CC math standards and have each student master them.
Set up:
- Create a poster of all standards in student friendly language so they can understand what is expected.
- Mark bins according to each standard.
- Create a leveled board for students to keep track of their progress.
-Put workstations in baggies so that they can fit in your bins.
-Create a lost and found area for missing workstation pieces.
-Create student folders
-Insert a goal sheet with all standards so that they may check off what has been mastered.
-Insert a stamp sheet for behavior purposes.
-Create a "Test In" area filled with mini tests. After you pull them in small group, you can ask them to fill out a test in order to test into a new workstation.
Steps:
One: Have students choose a standard that they have mastered (one that has a check) and dismiss them to that workstation. You want them to work at a station that they have mastered to ensure that they are not practicing with mistakes. That can build bad habits.
Two: Pull your "at risk" students first. I work with them for 40 minutes a day. These are the students that have not mastered any CC standards.
Three: Set a timer for 15 minutes. The students at stations should actively work and show work the entire time.
Four: Once the timer switches, have students skip count as they clean up in order to monitor behavior, side conversations, and further practice.
Five: Pull the next small group after 40 min. Pull the next group for 20 minutes and base it off of a standard. (Ex: T= "Students, if you have not passed NBT2, meet me in small group")
**Have students keep completed work in their folders. They must also keep a record of their progress**
Six: Have students go to their desks and show you their station work for the day. If the teacher feels it is adequate and their behavior was good, give a stamp.