Math Workshop: Building Routines That Last a Year

Hello friends!  I'm so excited to be joining some of my favorite upper elementary blog buddies for a huge link up to share some great Back to School Survival Tips. Hop on through each of our blogs and check out the collection of tips that should get your new year started right!

Have you considered starting a Math Workshop model in your classroom, but just don't know where to start?  I'm going to share some tips to help you start the year off using the workshop model and give you ideas and suggestions about how you can build those routines that will last all year long.
Years ago when I first implemented the workshop model, I was anxious about how to make it work. Often, teachers feel comfortable implementing Reading Workshop and even Writing Workshop, but just don't know how to make this method work for math.  I took the opposite approach.  I tackled Math Workshop head-on FIRST before attempting Reading or Writing Workshop and I never looked back!

Tip #1:  How is it organized?
For me, this meant having my student rotate through a series of 4 stations.  Those 4 stations used the acronym M.A.T.H. to make it simple for students to rotate through each of the letters every day.

Math Facts- This is where I had my students work our daily math spiral review.  They were usually able to complete this part quickly, so when they were finished, they had the opportunity to start their At Your Seat Work.
At Your Seat- This is where my students completed the Independent Practice from the math book.  However, this time could be spent completing any number of activities that need to be completed independently.  I've even used this time to have my students complete Math Menus.  
Teacher Time- This was my small group instruction time. 
Hands On- This is what most think of as real "Stations" or "Centers".  During Hands-On time, students can work on a number of skills (all differentiated) using flashcards, task cards, different technology, math manipulatives, etc.

Tip #2: How do you start?
You have to establish expectations about how to use math materials properly.  I've used a lesson that I called  "Math Tools vs. Math Toys".  For this lesson, I began by placing tubs of math tools (electronic flashcards (like Math Sharks), flashcards, dice, center packets, task cards, etc.) on the group tables.  Before opening the boxes of math tools, we discussed the difference between a math tool and a toy.  I would ask a series of questions including:
  • What do you do with math tools?  
  • How is that different than a toy? 
  • Can I "play" with math tools if I wanted to? (Yes) 
  • Should I "play" with my math tools? (No) 
I had students write what they see as the difference between the two on a sticky note and bring it to a chart labeled "Math Tools vs. Math Toys".   We discussed the students answers.  Then, we began working with math tools "correctly" and then I modeled in an over-the-top silly way using the tools inappropriately.  I usually picked a student who can really "ham it up" with me.  We tossed the dice at each other pretending to have a war.  We took the flash cards and dealt them out like we are playing a game of cards and threw them in the air a bit.  You get the idea.  By taking the time to complete this activity, your students will have a reference whenever you have to revisit the expectations.

Tip #3: How do you organize groups?
This is perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of any classroom workshop model.  I tried many different methods for grouping my students.  However, what I found to be the most effective way to group my students was based on their mathematical needs.  If I had established routines and procedures, then I didn't have to worry about grouping students primarily based on student behavior.   I found that the best way to determine what skills needed to be addressed during small group instruction was by using my Daily Spiral Math Review.  

Since the skills included in this pack are spiraled, and each domain is covered every single week, I was able to narrow down which skills my students needed to review. By using the weekly assessment included, I could track areas of concern for each of my students and then I would group "like" students together based on the skills that they needed to review.

You can try out the first week for free by downloading the product preview for each resource.  You can check them both out by heading {here} or by clicking on the images above.

I hope that you found some tips that can help you get started with Math Workshop in your classroom! The tips can also easily be adapted to any workshop model.

For more tips to add to your survival guide for Back to School, head on over to my friends' blogs to read more!


224 comments

  1. I have tried the workshop model in Reading and Writing. I haven't taught math in a few years but I will this year!

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    1. Give it a try and let me know how it goes, Courtney!

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    2. I haven't ever tried the math workshop model before. I'm encouraged to try it this year. Thanks for your help!

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    3. I haven't used the math workshop either but I look forward to trying it!

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  2. I have used the workshop model in language arts (reading and writing and word study). I tried using it in math but struggled this past year. I appreciate your tips and ideas to help me make it much better this year!

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    1. You are welcome, Ellen. Keep me posted and email me if you ever have any questions.

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    2. I feel the same way. I had a hard time getting my math workshop moving last time. I may try it again with this model!

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    3. I feel the same way. I had a hard time getting my math workshop moving last time. I may try it again with this model!

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  3. I love the workshop model. I do it 4 days a week with 3 rotations. I do a 15 minute quick intro lesson because my small group is my lesson of the day. I love your organization. Thank you for sharing,

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  4. Do you think this is workable with a structured math curriculum such as Everyday Math? When do you do your main instruction? Is it mini-lesson style at the beginning, or just during teacher time?

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    1. Absolutely! I always taught a mini-lesson at the beginning of each day on the new skill for the week. This was tied to what they were doing during their independent practice time. When I first started the using this model years ago, I did use my small group teacher time for this instruction, but as I got more comfortable with the model, I then switched to teaching what my students needed during the small group time. Therefore, I started doing the mini-lessons before beginning our rotations. This worked the best for me! Thanks for asking. Also, feel free to email me if you ever have any questions.

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    2. I do workshop with EDM4 (I teach 2nd grade). It works well! I have a 15 min. whole group mini-lesson at the beginning where I do Part 1 and review expectations for what math related work they need to work on. During the rotations they work on their math journals/math boxes for independent work, they do STmath or xtramath for technology, a math game/center/flash cards for hands on, and then they either review the edm concept or do interactive math notebooks with me.

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  5. They are actually in my plans to do this year for math and reading/language arts. I am excited. My rotation board is very much like yours.

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  6. I use a workshop model for ELA. I see 2-3 groups per day for 15-25 mins. each (depends on what we need to do in group time). I see my intervention group daily, my on-level group 2-3x per week, and my advanced group 2x per week. The students working independently complete book club reading and assignments, and other tasks from a Must Do menu. When they finish those items, they choose a May Do they are interested in. When I pull groups, I we have book club discussions and work on skills they need to sharpen. Next year will be my first teaching math and implementing math workshop for my class. I'm excited to try your strategies!

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  7. I have been using reader's and writer's workshop for YEARS...I honestly can't remember what life was like without it. Why I didn't start math workshop sooner is really beyond me. I started using this model in math just last year. We use NWEA to test our students and I tried to utilize the data from that to place my students. I did an "okay" job - but that's really where I struggle most making sure each student gets EXACTLY what they need during small group instruction. So, I'm a work in progress...

    LOVE this post!

    Holly
    Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade

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    1. Thank you, Holly! I think we are all a work in progress...that's what makes teaching so fun!

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  8. I have never tried math workshop in my room. I have been wanting to try it but i feel overwhelmed. Maybe is I just start with baby steps and just do them after my math lesson I could get them started.

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    1. Absolutely! Start small and don't overwhelm yourself or your students. That only leads to giving up (I know this from experience). Best of luck to you!

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  9. I do a modified version of Writer's Workshop. I would love to try a math workshop model.

    Christina Marie
    Apples, Books, and Crayons
    applesbooksandcrayons@gmail.com

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  10. I have never tried the workshop model but have been planning to do so this year (in reading--I don't teach math).

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  11. This is my first year to teach so I am really looking forward to implementing this model!

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  12. I have not tried any Workshop models in my classroom. I would like to try them though.

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  13. I currently use Reader's Wokshop and have been "attempting" to implement the Math model. Thank you for this advice. chief9937@Yahoo.com

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  14. I use the workshop model for my reading block. Love it!

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  15. I have not tried workshops in my classroom, but I would LOVE to give them a try for both math and reading.

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  16. My students do one station a day, but I'm considering changing it. Do you use the same material at the stations each day for that week or do you change it every day?

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    1. Great question! I would never suggest trying to change it every day. In my opinion, that would be too difficult to manage. I would switch mine out every 2-3 weeks when my groups changed. That seemed to work fine. If you change it too often, then students spend a majority of their time trying to figure out what to do, rather than working on the skill they need to review.

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  17. I have used Math Workshop but I do need all the help I can get to improve upon my set up - Thank you!

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  18. Thank you for your math workshop suggestions, I have determined that I'm going to start a workshop model this year, so over the summer I have created several games to reinforce place value. I like your daily spiral review, especially how neat & organized it is!

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  19. I have done workshop for both math and ELA. I'm moving to kinder this year so I'll have to make some modifications to it but I still plan on using this model!

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  20. Any workshop model scares the heck out of me, but I think that we're going to give it another try this year. I use your 5th grade Math Moves every day and just love them!!

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    1. Oh, Diane! Thank you so much! I'm so glad that you love them :)

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  21. I like the idea of math stations/workshop but it seems hard to do for 8th graders. I'm currently reading "Minds on Mathematics" by Wendy Ward Hoffer to try to help me set this up for the coming school year.

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  22. No I have not tried the workshop model but I am inspired to do so this year!

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  23. I have tried the workshop model several times in math. I really enjoy it and will definitely take your helpful hints into consideration when planning this year! Thanks!

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  24. Thanks for the helpful hints for math workshop. I began using it last year and looking to expand it this year.

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  25. I've used the workshop model for reading and I think this year I'm going to take the plunge and try it for math as well. It seems a little overwhelming but I think it would really benefit the students!

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  26. I've tried the workshop model for reading and math, but I'd like to revamp it as I have been a strategist for the last three years. Going back to the classroom makes me want to do things better!

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  27. Over the past few years I have done some version of reading, writing, and math workshop. Last year I had reading workshop down pat and did math workshop three times a week. I had every intention of doing writing workshop everyday but my schedule last year led to writing getting cut out. This year I'm doing workshop model across the day. 10-15 whole group lessons in reading, writing, math, and science/social studies - this will be an hour of my day. The rest of the day will be workshop (centers will be transdisciplinary) while I pull small groups. I may pull a math group, I may pull a writing conference, I may pull a reading group, we may do an inquiry lab session. I'm so excited about it!

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  28. I used math workshop when I taught first grade (I'm now a Title 1 intervention teacher). So powerful!

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  29. I used math workshop with rotations for a couple years, and now we've gone to Eureka Math, and I haven't yet figured out a way to meld the two together...I'm really hoping to find a way though...

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  30. I want to try Math Workshop this year.....This is a GREAT post to help me accomplish my goal! Thanks!

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  31. I do workshop in language and math. Math is my favourite!

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  32. I will definitely be giving math workshop a try this year! Great tips to get started!

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  33. One of my goals is to do math workshop this year. I'm excited about it!

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  34. I plan on trying some sort of science workshop this year!

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  35. I still feel like a newbie. My main focus this year is to really improve my Writer's Workshop. I have a great mentor who is meeting with me this summer, before school starts, to help me set out a plan.

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  36. I am going to try math and writer's workshops this year!!

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  37. We do workshop model in reading, writing, and math!

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  38. I am implementing a math workshop model this year! Thanks for the post!

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  39. Thank you so much for all your ideas! I have struggled in the past with implementing math workshop but I am inspired for this upcoming year after reading your post!

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  40. I have tried the workshop model in Reading and Math - I'm a little frustrated at the moment with my schedule this next year and worrying about how I am going to get enough "workshop" time in, especially in math. How long is your math block and how much of it do you spend on whole group teaching a new lesson or skill vs. math workshop (small groups)?

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  41. I haven't tried a workshop model exactly, but I would love to!

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  42. How long do your rotations last?

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    1. I do 15-20 min rotations. That way it fits into my 60 minute math block.

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  43. WE use the workshop model for reading, writing and math!

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  44. I started a modified math workshop model last year. I am excited to make some tweaks and build on from what I started. Have a great school year!

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  45. I've tried to do a workshop model in the past but wasn't very consistent with it. I am really liking how you have set yours up. I'm excited to tweak my workshop model

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  46. I have not used the workshop model before. This is the first time in three years that I will be teaching all subjects and have the same class all day. I am interested in engaging lessons and routines for math. You have peaked my interest in math workshops.

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  47. I have used the workshop method in Reading, but would like to do it in math also.

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  48. I have used both the workshop model in reading and math! I love it for math!

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  49. I have implemented writing and reading workshop. This year I'm hoping to begin math workshop and be consistent with using it.

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  50. I teach 5th grade Science and History in one 90 minute block. I use the workshop model for Science Stations. I have been playing with the idea of incorporating a few History stations into the rotation.

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  51. I have used the workshop model in the lower grades but I have changed to the upper grades and I would like to incorporate it into my schedule.

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  52. I will try the workshop model again this year. Last year I had problems with noise and following directions.

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  53. I love this! I'm a math person so I would definitely start this before implementing reading workshops! Thank you so much! As a new teacher I'm always looking for suggestions on how to organize things that have been working for others!

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  54. I really need this MATH rotation! Felt this was my weaker area last year! I teach 3rd grade and have been looking for a system that would guide! Thanks so much!

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  55. I have used Reader's and Writer's Workshop in the past but not math. I am very excited to be returning to 4th grade after 10 years of teaching 7th grade math and 8th grade language arts. I will be using Everyday Math and was happy to read that others are successfully using that program with the workshop model. I will have a large class (34), so this might be an easy way to differentiate and meet everyone's needs.

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  56. Hi! I SLOW-L-Y began math workshop model about three years ago. I began this with "workshop day" usually at the end of a unit where I can extend skills for my high-flyers or remediate for my strugglers. The kids cheered every time I posted the words: "Workshop" on our math wall. Anyway, I am now up to 3-4 times per week. I direct teach the new skills-teaching 4th grade, some of the concepts can be very tricky. The kids continue to enjoy workshop day and are even disappointed when it's not a workshop day. Our district dictates our scope and sequence, and we follow Everyday Math. What lacks in our math program is problem solving and written response, so I try to incorporate that in one of the rotations. Also, before a big unit test, I give them a practice pack for "At Your Seat" and I review/extend during the "Teacher Choice" rotation. One rotation is usually technology- our school is lucky enough to have access to some great sites that reinforce math facts so that is usually a "Math Facts" station (along with good old flash cards). Anyway, I will NEVER ever go back. My biggest challenge is implementing math workshop everyday. I still feel the need to direct teach the whole class, especially with newer concepts. I love this link-up and THANKS for all of the great time everyone.

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  57. Great tips! I'm changing grades this year and changing math materials. It's a lot to manage but I'd really like to do Math Workshop as part of that. This should help!

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  58. I have done workshop with math and love it!

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  59. This will be my 2nd official year of teaching, and my first in 2nd grade. Last year I taught PreK so we didn't quite use a workshop model, but I am so excited to start using one with my 2nd graders this year! Thank you for sharing these great tips. :)

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  60. I am new to the workshop model, but have used it for reading only at this point. I like it, just am trying to find ways to streamline it so it seems simpler! :)

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  61. I have used Math Workshop in my room for years, but I LOVE your MATH acronym! It's a great way to help the students remember the various stations!

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  62. I've used the workshop model for reading and writing. If and when I teach math again, I'd like to try it there too!

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  63. I have not tried it yet, but I am looking forward to adding it to my toolbox.

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  64. I have not tried it yet but this year I am going to take on the workshop model for reading and math. I think is going to be great for my kiddos. :)

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  65. I am moving to third grade after bring in kinder for 6 years. I am looking forward to incorporating math workshop in my class but am a bit nervous with doing it with 30 kids all day. But I love what you shared and it has helped a great deal

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  66. I have not tried Math workshop yet. I started looking into it last year and would like to try it this year. I think it would be beneficial to my students and myself.

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  67. I have used the workshop model for reading and writing. I am thinking of using it for math next year to help me differentiate more, and your tips will really help. Thanks!

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  68. I love math workshop! I also used your math moves last year. Would you be willing to make a set for 3rd grade?

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  69. My school will be doing a variation of Daily 3 or Daily 5 Math. I used it last year and loved it!

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  70. I teach high school English, and we do writing workshops. My daughter's class did math workshops this past year for 10th grade geometry.

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  71. I won't be teaching math this year, but I will be using the workshop model for reading and writing. I'm excited to get started with it!

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  72. Thanks for the information. I have wanted to start a Math Workshop for a couple of years, but I have been a little uncertain as to how to start. Do you do this everyday? How long do the students stay in each rotation? Thanks! This gives me hope!

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  73. I'm fully committed to workshop teaching for reading, writing and math. I find that I can provide much more target differentiation in the workshop model as I confer or meet in small groups with a student or group. Thanks!

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  74. Could you do this 2-3 days per week, then a regular lesson the other days?

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  75. I haven't tried the workshop model, but I like the idea! :)

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  76. I have not tried the workshop model before. I am just going in to my third year, and I'm still trying to figure out what I like and works best for my kids.

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  77. I have not tried it but I teach high school and I think it would translate well.

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  78. I did math workshop two days a week. It was definitely worth it!

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  79. I did a math workshop last year and really liked it. I struggled with keeping my whole group lesson short enough to get the centers in though! I need to either work on that or find more time for math in my day! I love your rotation board!

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  80. Yes, for math a few years ago! We've since been piloting and learning a new series, but I'm hoping to go back to something similar soon!

    :) Kaitlyn
    Smiles and Sunshine

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  81. No, as I'm not sure it would work with my special ed students.

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  82. I've tried the workshop model for both reading and math.

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  83. I'm looking forward to trying this for the first time this year with a new grade and having been stressing out about how it will all work. Thanks for the great tips!

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  84. Thanks for the tips! As an first year teacher I certainly can use all the help I can get being organized.

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  85. I've done a variation of Math workshop for years. I've also done Reader's Workshop (when I could get away with it) and I've done Writer's Workshop for years as well. Fun stuff!

    Sally from Elementary Matters

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  86. Hoping to teach Math again this year and up my center game...definitely bookmarking this post!

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  87. I use a workshop format for writing. I also use Math Workstations (Debbie Diller). Your suggestions will be helpful for management. Thanks!

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  88. I have tried math.......it's a work in progress.

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  89. I haven't tried the math workshop... yet! Thanks for the detailed guide!

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  90. I've done Math, but there's definitely room for improvement! Thanks for your tips!

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  91. I have used the workshop model for writing and math. I think the anchor chart and discussion on using math manipulatives and materials as tools instead of toys is especially valuable! Thanks!

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  92. I have used the model for math!

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  93. I really like the idea of talking to the students about the difference between math tools vs. math toys. I will be incorporating this into my beginning year lesson plans.

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  94. I don't currently teach math, though if I did, I know the workshop model would be the way I would want to go. I currently teach ELA-- reading and writing-- through workshops. They seem to me to be the most authentic way to do reading and writing! Thanks for your ideas.

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  95. Love the anchor chart on Math Tools vs. Math Toys. Will definitely use that at the start of the year to establish routines. Thanks for the tip!

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  96. I have used math workshops. I also use reading workshops! Math is the most challenging for differentiating students and having students do constructive, relevant, and learning work..

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  97. I have been using it as an RTI time. Thinking of doing Daily Math 3.
    Rebecca Sweeney
    rebeccasweeney81@yahoo.com

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  98. I love these ideas! I will be starting math workshop in the fall, thank for the tips!

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  99. Wonderful approaches I haven't tried before. Excellent ideas--tools vs toys. Insightful!

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  100. I have never tried out the workshop method. I would love to try it out, such great ideas!

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  101. I have tried the same four station math workshop model with my first year of students and it worked really well. However, last year, my group couldn't handle four stations so we went down to three: teacher, math project, and skill practice. It was a lifesaver for me! I love doing stations! Thinking about trying it in science... I love your resources on TPT!

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  102. I have tried the same four station math workshop model with my first year of students and it worked really well. However, last year, my group couldn't handle four stations so we went down to three: teacher, math project, and skill practice. It was a lifesaver for me! I love doing stations! Thinking about trying it in science... I love your resources on TPT!

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  103. I did Math Workshop for the first time last year. I loved it!! I was nervous trying something so different when I was also having a student teacher for the first time. She loved it too. She's going to be on the third grade team with me at my school this year and told me she's definitely doing it too. I can't wait to start year 2 with it.

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  104. I have not tried the workshop model, but it does sound like something that I should try!
    Emily

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  105. I started this type of math workshop last year, I just called it Math stations/centers. I love to see how others are using this type of rotation. You have great points and ideas on implementing math workshops. This was a great review for me to start of this year!

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  106. I used the Math Workstation model with my 5th graders when I was in the classroom. What helped me was starting small. I would introduce 4 workstations at the beginning of the year and every 6 weeks, I would introduce a new one.

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  107. I have started math workshop by doing math RTI time. I will add games/activites. Thank you for the ideas! Rebecca Sweeney
    rebeccasweeney81@yahoo.com

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  108. I am moving to First grade from sixth grade and will use Math and Reading workshop in my classroom this year. We'll see how it goes!

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  109. I have not tried the workshop model yet. I plan to incorporate this year.

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  110. I really want to begin math workshop. I teach Kindergarten and my school is departmentalized so I teach all the math to the 3 classes. I am trying to work it out with my fellow teachers so our schedules will work. Thanks for the ideas!

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  111. I try workshops every year, but can never seem to get a smooth management style and incorporate fresh ideas.

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  112. I have but can't seem to make it work like it should so I abandon and do something different...

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  113. I have used it primarily with writing.

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  114. Not formally, but I do math centers in my fifth grade classes once a week.

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  115. I haven't used any, but I would love to start!

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  116. I have a question regarding your math goups... the little cards etc that you have in the picture above that you use to group your students and divide them into the math stations, are those available anywhere so that I don't have to remake them? Also, I am wodnering what you use for your main math program? Thank you for your help.

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  117. Last year was my first year in 3rd grade and I had 27 students. I did try math workshop, but wish I had been more organized with it. Can't wait to try it again this year!

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  119. I use workshop for reading, writing, and math. I love using it in all three areas.

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  120. I have not tried workshops in my classroom. This is my second year of teaching so I am getting a feel for different strategies in my classroom. One day I look forward to using centers in my classroom.

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  121. Since I have a smaller class size this year, I think I'm ready to give the whole Math Workshop thing a try. Hopefully, it goes well! Thanks for the tips!

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  122. I have never tried a math workshop before. I will admit that workshops are not my strongest teaching talent. Hopefully I will do better this year. I am excited to try your Math Steps pack.

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  123. geat ideas! I love your bulletin board for math rotations.

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  124. I haven't been doing workshop, but may try this year!

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  125. This will be my first year teaching. I plan on using workshops for Math, writing and reading.

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  126. I haven't tried the workshop model before but would like to try it with Reading. Thanks!

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  127. I plan to try the workshop model this year! I'm really looking forward to it and this was a great post to help with starting it!

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  128. I have done the workshop model for reading and writing but not for math!

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  129. Have not tried but it looks very helpful

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  130. I might try something like this in my math class.

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  131. How are you able to teach whole group math as well? Last year was my first year teaching and I wpuld teach a math lesson whole group each day then have the kids do an activity or practice. Do you do whole group as well? Thanks!

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  132. I use Reader's Workshop and Writer's Workshop but have not used it for math. I will definitely try it out this year.

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  133. Giving math workshops a try this year!

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  134. I like your organization board. I use workshops for my Math classes.

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  135. Thank you for a clear explanation on how to implement math workshop. I'll try to implement this year

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  136. Thank you for sharing how you implemented math workshop. I purchased a few of your materials at TPT.

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  137. I have always taught in a pre-kindergarten classroom. Therefore, I have never used a workshop setting in my classroom before. I have spent a semester observing in a classroom that used the workshop model for reading and writing. I will be doing my student teaching experience this fall in a kindergarten classroom and I'm excited to see if they will be using a math workshop model. These are great ideas and I will definitely be referring back to this page when I am in my own elementary classroom!! Thanks for the ideas!!

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  138. This is what our students need...question after looking over the first week. What do you do with the skills that haven't been taught yet? Would you start them with the 4 th grade one or skip the skills students do not know yet? Thanks!

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  139. I have used the workshop model in language arts (reading and writing). I want to try it in math.

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  140. I am a master at reading centers. But although I've tried math workshop, I feel like students don't have enough practice on the skill we're learning when I do math centers. I plan on trying it again this year though. My main goal, especially for math, is giving students authentic, hands-on practice, and math centers seems like the best way to do that.

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  141. I have used the workshop model in both math and writing. Thanks for the ideas!!

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  142. thanks for the overview of math workshop model. I love the small group time as well as the other centers. I'm still working on getting the components to run smoothly.

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  143. I did it for reading last year. This year I am adding in math and writing!

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  144. I love your math station ideas and grouping system! It is my first year and I am so excited to try out math stations!

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  145. I teach 5th graders math, and am really excited to start the math workshop this year. I have been reading blogs and books pertaining to this topic all summer. Thank you for the help.

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  146. I teach 5th graders math, and am really excited to start the math workshop this year. I have been reading blogs and books pertaining to this topic all summer. Thank you for the help.

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  147. I've tried to get started with stations and centres in Literacy before but have never ventured into math. I'm looking forward to trying them with my combined grade as I think it would help things a lot!

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  148. I tried the workshop model in Math when I taught the subject two years ago, it was amazing and the students loved it.

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  149. I have tried the workshop model when I co-taught in first grades and loved it!

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  150. Hi Elizabeth,
    When I was a classroom teacher, I used the workshop model for reading and writing and one year in math. Now my district has adopted a basal for reading so it will be completely different. We use Lucy Calkin's for writing. For math, we use a blended model which is like a workshop approach but more flexible (less rotations and more conferences with kids/pairs/groups as needed). We have 2 teachers in each classroom for math so it's doable. I don't know how doable it would be with just 1 teacher.

    I am now an ESL teacher and co-teach math and writing. I also have language/ reading groups for the rest of the day. Are you also an ESL teacher? If so we need to collaborate!

    My Bright Blue House

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  151. I haven;t tried them yet, but I plan to now! Thanks for the giveaway :)

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  152. I am a perservice teacher, so have not yet had the opportunitiy to use one of the workshops. I have one more year until graduation. I can't wait to try them with students.

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  153. Great ideas I will be sharing!! Thank you!

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  154. Love this idea of Spiral Review. I've done it more in an oral fashion as a whole class. I see how this could be a quick and easy thing to add to what I'm doing. Thanks for the inspiration:)

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  155. Have not tried Workshop yet, but it sounds very interesting.

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  156. Please forgive me if you have already listed it, but do you offer the printable for your rotations? Also, I understand the rotation cards on the left, but what are the pocket chart things on the right? What are they used for? I have been doing math centers for 5 years, but I'm a little tired of my rotation and would like to try something new. I am using Engage NY this year for the first time so I am going to have to try to pull this all together! :) Thanks!

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  157. I haven't tried the workshop model, but I like the idea!

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  158. I haven't used the model as of yet, but I plan on using it this year. I will be teaching 6th grade Math. I plan on using your resources as a part of my RTI. Thank you so much.

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  159. I briefly used a workshop approach in Math and my students enjoyed it. I.,no longer teach math due to departmentalizing or I'd give it a try again.

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  160. I haven't yet but look forward to it now.

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  161. Love this idea of MATH Workshop. I haven't tried it before, but definitely will this year. I especially love your MATH acronym.

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  162. I have always wanted to try this but can't seem to make it work time-wise. Do you do any whole group instruction first? If so, for how long and how long is each rotation?

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  163. Your ideas are interesting. I haven't tried workshop before.

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  164. I have used math workshop and love it.

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  165. All summer long I have been looking for ways to make reading and math rotations work for me and my incoming students. Thanks for the tips!

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  166. I like the idea of math rotations, specifically because you can differentiate. Yet I struggled with students moving different classrooms and a 60 minute block. Any suggestions?

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  167. I have tried the workshop model for math and I love it. I too use M.A.T.H. but have it stand for Math by Myself (problem solving booklet and different worksheets), Activity with a buddy (flashcard, Superspeed Math from Whole Brain teaching, buddy game or activity), Teacher Table, and Hands On (game as a group, using pocket charts, doing sorts, building shapes, iPad). I love doing math this way. I have done it two years in grade 3 and have moved down to grade 1/2 and continued it there for three years as well. I am helping our entire primary wing to implement this model and am excited for the results. I too sometimes only have a forty minute block (so I only do two rotations a day with a problem solving or mini lesson for the whole group on the fifth day) or a sixty minute block and will do 4 15 minute rotations instead...tricky to plan a bit for the 15 minutes, but doable.

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  168. Yes and love it! Works great in math and science.

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  169. I started the math workshop model in my classroom last year. I'm hoping to start doing the Daily 5 for language arts this year as well!

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  170. I haven't tried math workshop but it sounds intriguing and I am anxious to try it. Thank you for all the info.

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  171. I haven't tried math workshop but would love to try it this year. It sounds interesting!

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  172. I've done reading workshop, but not math. I've been trying to read up on guided math over the summer, though. I don't know why math workshop is more intimidating to me than reading workshop is.

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  173. I have tried the workshop model for math and language arts! I couldn't survive without it!

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  174. I love your idea! I haven't tried workshop before but I will try them this year!

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  175. I tried centers last year, but not Math Workshop. Looks very fun and effective!

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  176. I have done some centers but not really workshops. Coming from middle school, it is an adjustment teaching primary!

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  177. WOW Thanks! I have been wanting to do this and now can get started!

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  178. thanks for the opportunity. have a great year!

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  179. Happy to see some people above have successfully used workshop with Everyday Math...I feel overwhelmed doing a new skill every day and was hesitant to increase my stress with workshop!

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  180. I have done writer's workshop and attempted math workshop last year but got overwhelmed. Hoping to pick it up again this year.

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