Awesome! Thanks for all of the info!

Hi Amanda! I start by introducing one center at a time. The first lessons I do are review lessons, so I do a quick whole group review. Then, I introduce the problem solving center by having the students work on a performance task with a small group. We do that for a few days, practicing working quietly and making sure each group member is helping. Then, I introduce technology center. Half the class works on technology and the other half does problem solving. That way, we can practice moving from one center to the next. I circulate and make sure everyone is following directions on those days. Then, once all of the students know what is expected at those two centers, I start my guided groups. Usually by the end of week 2, my guided groups are up and running. However, it really depends on the class. If things aren’t going smoothly, we review expectations and practice the first two centers longer.

Hi Christa! I introduce the centers one at a time at the beginning of the year. I also create anchor charts with the expectations for the technology center and problem solving center. That way, I can just point to the poster when my students aren’t following the directions instead of interrupting my guided group. It does take a bit for them to get in the routine, and at first my transitions are always longer because we’re still practicing cleaning up the center before moving to the next one. It’s important to take the time to review the expectations and hold the students accountable for the work right from the start. After a few weeks, they should be able to do everything without many reminders from you. I hope that helps!

Hi, Leanna! Guided math definitely provides a structure for my students. Unfortunately, I don’t have a unit on patterns yet. I have unit plans for place value and rounding, addition and subtraction, and money. The next one I’m working on is multiplication. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about planning for guided math.

Im so motivated to start and have been craving the structure. The way you described full class instruction is exactly what im dealing with. Im starting a unit on patterns for both grades on monday. Do you have a package available for that unit on TPT? Id love any help and want to start right away!

Hi, Leanna! Setting up guided math was some work at first. However, now that I have all the materials, it’s really easy to manage. I make up questions that go along with the lesson for my meet with the teacher center. My students work on the same technology sites each day. I just have to assign the lesson I want them to practice. It’s the problem solving center that takes the longest to plan. I put a different performance task at that center each day. Guided math could be great for your 3/4 split. You would be able to group your students based on the lesson they need and possibly put your mental math and practice at the centers. You could even do an extra rotation, since you have 90 minutes.

In my student textbooks, the questions are broken down into sections. I forget the exact terms, but it’s basically guided practice, independent practice, and problem solving. I take those problem solving questions and use them for this center some days. Other days, I search online for performance tasks or create them to match the day’s lesson.