Math Minutes Vol. 4
Week of Sept. 28
Fly on the Wall
How can room arrangement support student autonomy and independence?
In this section I will spotlight the work of CWE Third Grade Teachers and explore how they create a learning environment that fosters learner autonomy.
What is learner autonomy?
"Some people mistake learner autonomy for self-instruction. Nothing could be further from the truth. Learner autonomy refers to a student’s ability to set appropriate learning goals and take charge of his or her own learning. However, autonomous learners are dependent upon teachers to create and maintain learning environments that support the development of learner autonomy.
Learners accept responsibility for their learning, review their learning, and evaluate its effectiveness. The more learners begin to think about learning, the more transparent learning will become to them." -Faye Rollings Carter
Third Grade Commonwealth Elementary
Place value blocks divided into smaller containers for easy use. All materials and books at kid level for easy access. Students know where things are and use them to help solve problems with and without the teacher.
Center Mats
Students use center mats as a way to care for materials as they use them. Designated areas for center participation are clearly established and allows the teacher to monitor expectations more efficiently.
Agenda and Objectives
Students know what they are learning and what to expect each day. This is such a sticky way for students to file away new knowledge for easy recall next time they need it.
Manipulatives
Even below the chalkboard is utilized to organize manipulates. Students are assigned a specific bag and are encouraged to use them during independent work and stations as needed to support learning.
Student Self Check
Seat work answer keys are located on the back of the classroom door. As students complete their independent work, they can self check and get immediate feedback before moving the stations- all while the teacher is working with a small group!
What to do?
Students know exactly What To Do (another one of those Teacher Like a Champion Techniques) when they enter the room without the teacher having to say a word.
Anchor charts and Problem Solving Mats
Anchor charts provide students a resource to use when they get suck on a problem without having to interrupt the teacher. Below the board, envision Problem Solving Reading mats provide extension and challenge opportunities for students when they finish early.
Math Word Wall
The math word wall is a tool that students use when they need help recalling a word. The wall is built together with students as the vocabulary comes up in the curriculum.
Independent Interactive Notebook
This center allows students the opportunity to add ideas and tools to their interactive notebook without direct guidance from the teacher.
Teacher Interactive Notebook Example
The "teacher's" notebook serves as a model for students as they work independently.
What to do at computer center?
Each day of the week is different at the computer center. This teacher has outline which website students are to visit on each day, what they are to engage in at the site, and also provides a computer station reflection activity to complete in their notebooks when they complete their assignment.
Math Station Organization
Math stations are listed and organized in numbered tubs with all necessary materials ready. As students complete their assigned station, they can move on to the next one, without interrupting the learning at the small group table!
PERSONAL REFLECTION
As you head into the weekend, ask yourself these questions:
- How does my room support learner autonomy?
- What is one thing I could steal and adapt to use in my room to increase learner autonomy?
- What do I need (materials, support) to make it happen?
Next, commit to a personal deadline:
- When do you think you could have this one new thing up and running? Write the date on the calendar and hold yourself to it!
- Need an accountability partner? Email me and tell me your plans and your personal deadline. I'll help your reach your goal!!
So looking forward to seeing how you take these ideas and make them your own!
Thank You CWE Third Grade Teachers!!
Kimberly Nguyen, Fatima Prasla, Kristine Rauschuber, and Suemyra Rasvi
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