Guided math in the upper elementary classroom is more than just small group instruction. In fact, small group math instruction makes up only a portion of the type of learning that should occur in a guided math classroom. This first article in my “Ultimate Guide to Guided Math” blog series will be an introduction of this valuable method of math instruction, as well as informative of what to expect from the articles in the remainder (no math pun intended) of the series.
What is Upper Elementary Guided Math?
Let’s start by discussing what guided math is NOT. It’s not JUST small group instruction. It’s not JUST students participating in math centers. It’s not JUST using assessment to guide instruction. It’s all of these components…and them some!
Guided math is the careful planning and implementation of a systematic method of math instruction designed to foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts using a variety of instructional techniques.
That is a wordy way of saying “guided math uses lots of different types of resources and teaching methods to help all students be successful in learning math skills”.
What can you expect from this blog series?
This “Ultimate Guide to Guided Math” blog series is specifically for upper elementary teachers to gain ideas, knowledge, and resources about how to effectively implement guided math in the upper elementary classroom.
My full math curriculum for 5th grade teachers includes 11 different components, along with suggested pacing and guidance of using the resources in the classroom. At the time that this post is being published, the 5th grade curriculum is a work in progress.
But wait…what if you teach a grade level other than 5th grade?
This blog series will still be valuable to you, but you won’t necessarily be able to use the specific resources that I will be introducing. However, you will either be able to use the ideas and adapt them on your own, or it is very likely that in the future I will be creating curriculum for other grade levels. Interested in math curriculum for 3rd, 4th, or 6th grade? Let me know by completing this form:
Throughout this guided math for upper elementary blog series, I will be introducing each of the components that I feel are integral to effective math instruction, as well as diving deep into each 5th grade math unit.
Along the way, I will be providing guidance (again, no pun intended), stories from my experience, and tips to help you set up and run a successful guided math program in your own upper elementary classroom.
A Sneak Peak into the Guided Math Series…
Every two weeks a new post in the series will publish. First, you can expect a post all about how to plan and structure your guided math block. Then, detailed posts of each individual component of the 5th grade math curriculum will offer insight into how to use each resource to provide effective math instruction. This will be especially helpful for 5th grade math teachers.
To SUM Up…
I am super excited about this blog series, and hope everyone who takes the time to read it gains a lot of VALUE (oh my…another one…I can’t help myself) out of it.
If you haven’t already, click the banner below and sign up to receive email updates about this series, as well as exclusive insider access to math resource freebies and a chance to become a brand ambassador (a fancy term for someone who tries out resources for FREE in exchange for feedback, photos, and referrals). I even included a FREE SAMPLE of the 5th grade math curriculum for those who join! It is a whole week of guided math resources, so you can test it out and see it up close.
Join me in the next part of the series for a look at what components are included for guided math and the benefits of guided math in your upper elementary classroom. Check it out by clicking the image below:
