Maths Rotations

Rotations Update 07/1/17

Have realised that although this is working well I have forgotten all about giving the children some time to share their learning with the class, which is something I always did at the end of a lesson previously. Need to try to make sure that I am giving some time to this when appropriate in the lesson, not just at the end. 

Rotations Update 04/11/16

Have been doing this for just over a week now and it seems to be working quite well. Having the guided time with each small group every day is really beneficial and helps me to see who is understanding the concept taught and who needs more input. I can also see gaps in the review work and know concepts that need to be revisited - such as rounding numbers to the nearest ten and hundred. Will get some feedback from the year 4 team as they are also trialling this system of teaching maths.

In order to really get to grips with what the children in my class really understand, use and apply in Maths I have decided it is time to change the way I approach maths lessons. I have, for years now, begun each session with a whole class intro, carpet work on whiteboards, set differentiated tasks on same concept as independent work, worked with a group (whoever needed help) then had a plenary (when enough time). But does this really give me a clear picture of each individual child...

After a lot of internet research (pinterest lead me to many blogs) I am going to try out what people are calling guided maths. I have used ideas from 
http://mathtechconnections.com/2015/12/20/math-sorts-a-math-workshop-station/
http://thriftyinthirdgrade.blogspot.com/2016/06/align-your-instruction-to-3rd-grade.html
http://mrelementarymath.blogspot.com/2016_08_01_archive.html
http://www.kangaroomaths.com/kenny4.php

So my plan is that there will be 3 groups (ability grouped) and I will have 3 rotational tasks. I still want to give a whole class input, but it will be shorter than normal - just an intro into the concept. At this point I also want to make an 'anchor' chart which we can add to during the week - basically a visual aid that children can use to help them. At the end of the week a photo of this can go into their books or onto blogs to help them next time when they review. 

Then the children will rotate - guided group (teacher led), independent group (working on the key concept/topic) and review group (working on a previous taught skill/concept). I think the review group is of particular importance as I also want to see how much they have retained and what needs further input. 

So hoping this will help me as structure lessons more effectively. Time may be an issue and I am sure it will need adjusting as we go along...