Full Description
As an elementary teacher, you know that students are different and learn differently. And yet, when students enter your classroom, you somehow must teach these unique individuals deep mathematics content using rigorous standards. Is differentiation really the answer? How can it be done well and in less time?
Nationally recognized math differentiation expert Nanci Smith debunks the myths, revealing what differentiation is and isn't. In this engaging book Smith reveals a practical approach to teaching for real learning differences. You'll gain insights into an achievable, daily differentiation process for ALL students in the K-5 classroom.
Theory-lite and practice-heavy, this book shows how to maintain order and sanity while helping your students know, understand, and even enjoy doing mathematics. Classroom videos, teacher vignettes, ready-to-go lesson ideas, and rich K-5 mathematics examples help you build a manageable framework of engaging, sense-making math.
Busy K-5 mathematics teachers, coaches, and teacher teams will learn to
Provide practical structures for assessing how each of your students learns and processes mathematical concepts
Design, implement, manage, and formatively assess and respond to learning in a differentiated classroom
Plan specific, standards-aligned differentiated lessons, activities, and assessments
Adjust current instructional materials and program resources to better meet students' needs
This book includes classroom videos, in-depth student work samples, student surveys, templates, before-and-after lesson demonstrations, examples of 5-day sequenced lessons, and a robust companion website with downloadables of all the tools in the books plus other resources for further planning. Every Math Learner, Grades K-5 will help you know and understand your students as learners in order to provide daily differentiation that accelerates their mathematics comprehension.
"Every Math Learner is a powerful tool for educators serious about meeting the needs of all learners in their mathematics classrooms. Nanci Smith balances philosophy with practicality while providing a glimpse into real classrooms with real students. Teachers will ultimately learn how to lift students up to their greatest potential in learning."
—Eileen Hogan, District Mathematics Facilitator, Winnetka District #36
Contents
Video Contents
Foreword by Carol Ann Tomlinson
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
CHAPTER 1. START UP: Why Knowing and Addressing Students' Learning Differences Is Critical
Introduction
What Differentiation Is and Is Not
A Glance at a Differentiated Classroom
Frequently Asked Questions
Keepsakes and Plans
CHAPTER 2. FIND OUT: Strategies for Determining Who Each of Your Students Is as Mathematics Learner
Who Our Learners Are
Strategies to Determine Readiness
Strategies to Determine Interest
Strategies to Determine Learning Profile
Frequently Asked Questions . . .
Keepsakes and Plans
CHAPTER 3. TEACH UP: Making Sense of Rigorous Mathematical Content
Mathematics Makes Sense
Themes and Big Ideas in Mathematics
Teaching Up
What Learning Mathematics with Understanding Like
Frequently Asked Questions
Keepsakes and Plans
CHAPTER 4. STEP UP: How to Make Proactive Planning Decisions That Deepen Thinking
The Decisions Behind Differentiation
Differentiation and KUD
Strategies for Differentiation
Classroom Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Keepsakes and Plans
CHAPTER 5. SET IT UP: Establishing the Right Tone to Make Differentiation Doable
A Healthy Learning Environment
Embracing Fair
Everybody Learns
Mindsets
Frequently Asked Questions
Keepsakes and Plans
CHAPTER 6. POWER ON: Mastering and Modeling Daily Routines for Achievement All Year
Classroom Routines
Frequently Asked Questions
Keepsakes and Plans
CHAPTER 7. STEP BACK: Tools for Assessing and Evaluating in a Differentiated Classroom
Assessment For, Of and As Learning
Principles to Develop Assessments
Designing Assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
Keepsakes and Plans
CHAPTER 8. CLOSE UP: A Week in the Life of a Differentiated Mathematics Class
A Look Into a Week in a Primary Classroom
A Look Into a Week in an Intermediate Classroom
Advice From the Field
Conclusion
Appendix A. Further Reading on the Topic of English Language Learners
Appendix B. Further Reading on the Topic of Special Education
Appendix C. Further Reading on the Topic of Rich Problems and Mathematical Discourse
References
Index
